B Vitamins
Today, the B vitamins encompass eight water-soluble essential nutrients, designated as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, and folic acid. Unlike other vitamins, most B vitamins cannot be stored in the body for extended periods and therefore must be supplied daily through diet. The sole exception is vitamin B12, which can be stored in the liver.
B vitamins often work in close synergy, their effects being interdependent. It is therefore crucial to ensure an adequate supply of all B vitamins. This is not always straightforward: since B vitamins are distributed across all food groups, only a truly balanced diet provides all B vitamins in sufficient quantities. Consequently, major nutritional studies repeatedly reveal significant gaps in B vitamin levels.
B vitamins from vitamin-germinated buckwheat:
- Thiamine (B1) is involved in energy production as well as the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain.
- Riboflavin (B2) helps protect cells and DNA against oxidative stress and plays a role in energy production and the reduction of fatigue as well as in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.
- Nicotinamide (B3) contributes to the regulation of energy and fatigue and is needed for the function of the nervous system, brain, skin and mucous membranes as well as being involved in serotonin and melatonin synthesis from L-tryptophan.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) plays a role in energy production in the mitochondria and is required for the synthesis of protein, cholesterol, steroid hormones and neurotransmitters as well as for the metabolism of vitamins A and D.
- Pyridoxine (B6) contributes to erythropoiesis and supports energy metabolism, hormone activity and the immune and nervous systems as well as playing a crucial role in amino acid metabolism.
- Biotin (B7) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, mucous membranes and hair as well as to the normal functioning of energy and macronutrient metabolism and the nervous system.
- Folic acid (B9) plays a role in cell division, blood formation, amino acid metabolism and homocysteine metabolism and is essential for the healthy development of the fetus.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is needed to form red blood cells and to build DNA and proteins.
Health benefits of B vitamins according to the European Food Safey Authority (EFSA):
B vitamins contribute to:
- Maintaining normal skin and mucous membranes
- Maintaining normal hair
- Maintaining normal cognitive function
- Normal macronutrient metabolism
- Normal energy metabolism
- Normal functioning of the nervous system
- Normal heart function
- Maintaining normal iron metabolism
- Maintaining normal red blood cells
- Protecting DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative stress
- Cell division
- Maintaining normal cysteine synthesis
- Maintaining normal amino acid synthesis
