Thiamine (b1)

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine or thiamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B

vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose),
which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B
complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex
vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the
nervous system function properly, and are needed for good brain function.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.

Dietary Sources

Most foods contain small amounts of thiamine. Large amounts can be found in pork and organ meats.
Other good dietary sources of thiamine include whole-grain or enriched cereals and rice, legumes,
wheat germ, bran, brewer's yeast, and blackstrap molasses.

Available Forms

Vitamin B1 can be found in multivitamins (including children's chewable and liquid drops), B
complex vitamins, or if can be sold individually. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets,
softgels, and lozenges. It may also be labeled as thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate.

What are the risk factors for thiamine deficiency?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing thiamine deficiency. Alcoholism
 Bariatric surgery
 Genetic beriberi
 Kidney disease
 Living in an impoverished or underdeveloped nation
 Low socioeconomic status
 Poor diet
 Starvation
Common symptoms of thiamine deficiency (dry beriberi)
If you have dry beriberi thiamine deficiency, you may experience symptoms daily or just once in a while. At
times, any of these symptoms may be severe:
 Confusion or changes in thinking
 Difficulty sensing vibrations, especially in your hands and feet
 Difficulty walking
 Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
 Generalized pain
 Impaired balance and coordination
 Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Repeated jerky eye movements (nystagmus)
 Vomiting
 Weakness (loss of strength)
How is thiamine deficiency treated?
The only treatment for thiamine deficiency is thiamine supplementation and changes to any underlying dietary
habits that may have caused the deficiency. Thiamine supplementation can be given orally or by injection,
depending on the type and cause of thiamine deficiency you have.
If identified early and treated promptly, most symptoms associated with thiamine deficiency should resolve.
People who have thiamine deficiency should receive long-term monitoring of their thiamine levels to ensure that
the deficiency does not return.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2 and is the vitamin formerly known as G,[2] is an easily
absorbed colored micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in humans and other animals. It is the
central component of the cofactors FAD and FMN, and is therefore required by all flavoproteins. As such,
vitamin B2 is required for a wide variety of cellular processes. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, and
for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies, carbohydrates, and proteins
Dietary Sources
The best sources of riboflavin include brewer's yeast, almonds, organ meats, whole grains,
wheat germ, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and
spinach. Flours and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin.
Riboflavin is destroyed by light, so food should be stored away from light to protect its
riboflavin content. While riboflavin is not destroyed by heat, it can be lost in water when foods are
boiled or soaked. During cooking, roasting, and steaming preserves more riboflavin than frying or
scalding.
Available Forms
Riboflavin is generally included in multivitamins and B-complex vitamins, and comes
separately in 25-, 50-, and 100-mg tablets.
Deficency
Vitamin deficiency affects various metabolic and physiological activities in the body.
Deficiency of vitamin B2 directly affects the cellular processes running in the body.
Vitamin B2 deficiency is also known as vitamin B2 riboflavin deficiency.
 
Sore tongue and lips
 Infection in the mouth and throat
 Extreme and unusual sensitivity to light
  Irritability in the eyes
 Chapped lips
Treatment
Riboflavin deficiency often occurs in conjunction with other B vitamin deficiencies, so you should discuss the
treatment of other B vitamin deficiencies with your doctor if you are diagnosed with a riboflavin deficiency. A
measurement of urinary riboflavin can confirm a riboflavin deficiency. To treat a deficiency, oral riboflavin doses
of 2 to 10 mg are administered 3 times daily until signs and symptoms improve, and then the dose is reduced to
2 to 4 mg once daily until you completely recover. If oral supplements are ineffective, riboflavin injections can be
given. Daily riboflavin requirements for adults vary from 1 to 1.6 mg, with the higher doses recommended for
pregnant and lactating women.
Niacin
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Having enough niacin, or vitamin B3, in the body is important for general good health. As a treatment, higher amounts of
niacin can improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risks.

Why do people take niacin?

As a cholesterol treatment, niacin has strong evidence. Several studies have shown that it can boost levels of good HDL
cholesterol and lower triglycerides as well or better than some prescription drugs. Niacin also modestly lowers bad LDL
cholesterol. It's often prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol control, such as Crestor, Lescol, or Lipitor. 

How much niacin should you take?

Everyone needs a certain amount of niacin -- from food or supplements -- for the body to function normally. This amount is
called the dietary reference intake (DRI), a term that is replacing the older and more familiar RDA (recommended daily
allowance). For niacin, the DRIs vary with age and other factors. 

 Children: between 2-16 milligrams daily, depending on age

 Men: 16 milligrams daily
 Women: 14 milligrams daily
 Women (pregnant): 18 milligrams daily
 Women (breastfeeding): 17 milligrams daily
 Maximum daily intake for adults of all ages: 35 milligrams daily

What are the risks of taking niacin?

 Side effects. Niacin can cause flushing -- harmless but uncomfortable redness and warmth in the face and neck --
especially when you first begin taking it. Your health care provider will probably suggest increasing the dose slowly to
reduce this problem. He or she might also offer a time-release prescription formulation to control flushing. Niacin can cause
upset stomach and diarrhea. However, all of these side effects tend to fade over time.
 Risks. Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose
levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues. People with any
health condition including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular
problems need to talk to a doctor before using niacin supplements. Do not treat high cholesterol on
your own with over-the-counter niacin supplements. 
Niacin Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of mild niacin deficiency include:
 indigestion
 fatigue
 canker sores
 vomiting
 depression
Pyridoxine
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food
(carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred
to as B complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are
needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.
Dietary Sources
Good food sources of vitamin B6 include chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, milk,
cheese, lentils, beans, spinach, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole-
grain flour.
Available Forms
Vitamin B6 can be found in multivitamins, including children's chewable and liquid drops, B complex
vitamins, or can be sold separately. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, softgels, and
lozenges. Vitamin B6 is also sold under the names pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxine
hydrochloride, and pyridoxal-5-phosphate
Effective for:
 Treatment and prevention of pyridoxine deficiency.
 Treating a type of anemia called sideroblastic anemia.
 Treating some types of seizures in infants when given intravenously (by IV).
Cyanocobalamine
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell
reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis. Cyanocobalamin is used to
treat vitamin B12deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to
cobalt; or if you have any other allergies. Your doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test
dose before starting your regular dose. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication,
tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low potassium blood levels
(hypokalemia), gout, a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), a certain eye disease (Leber's disease),
other vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially folic acid and iron).This product may contain aluminum,
which can infrequently build up to dangerous levels in the body. 

End product of cyanide poisoning treatment

In cases of cyanide poisoning the patient is given hydroxocobalamin, which is a precursor to
cyanocobalamin. The hydroxocobalamin binds with the cyanide ion and forms cyanocobalamin, which
can then be secreted by the kidneys. This has been used for many years in France and was approved by
the U.S. FDA in Dec 2006, marked under the name Cyanokit.[8][9]
The following medicines may interact with Cyanocobalamin:
 chloramphenicol
 cimetidine
 colchicine
 colestyramine
 methyldopa
 neomycin
 para-aminosalicylic acid
 potassium chloride
The following types of medicine may interact with Cyanocobalamin:
 biguanides
 oral contraceptives
If you are taking Cyanocobalamin and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make
sure your prescriber knows about it.

Folic acid
Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group vitamins.
Folic acid has several important functions. For example, it:
  works together with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cell helps reduce the risk of central
nervous system defects such as spina bifida in unborn babies
A lack of folic acid could lead to folate deficiency anaemia.
Good sources of folic acid
Folic acid is found in small amounts in many foods. Good sources include:
 broccoli
 brussels sprouts
 liver
 spinach
 asparagus
 peas
 chickpeas
 brown rice
 fortified breakfast cereals
How much folic acid do I need?
Adults need 0.2mg of folic acid a day.
Folic acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.
Most people should be able to get the amount they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. Since 1998, it has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads,
pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in
folic acid include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such
as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney),
orange juice, and tomato juice.
Folic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folic acid (folic acid deficiency), as
well as its complications, including “tired blood” (anemia) and the inability of the bowel to absorb
nutrients properly. Folic acid is also used for other conditions commonly associated with folic acid
deficiency, including ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and kidney dialysis.

Folic acid (also known as vitamin Ф, vitamin M, vitamin B9,[3] vitamin Bc[4] (or folacin), pteroyl-L-

glutamic acid, and pteroyl-L-glutamate)[dubious  –  discuss] is a form of the water-soluble vitamin B9. [5] Folate is
a naturally occurring form of the vitamin, found in food, while folic acid is synthetically produced, and used
 in fortified foods and supplements.[6] Folic acid is itself not biologically active, but its biological importance
is due to tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives after its conversion to dihydrofolic acid in theliver.[7]

Vitamin B9 (folate converted from folic acid) is essential for numerous bodily functions. Humans cannot
synthesize folate de novo; therefore, folate has to be supplied through the diet to meet their daily
requirements. The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and methylate DNA as well
as to act as a cofactor in certain biological reactions. [8] It is especially important in aiding rapid cell
division and growth, such as in infancy and pregnancy. Children and adults both require folate
to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.[9]

Folate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium, which means "leaf". Folate occurs
naturally in many foods and, among plants, are especially plentiful in dark green leafy vegetables. [10]

What Causes Folic Acid Deficiency?

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. It dissolves in water and is not stored in your fat cells. This
means that you need to keep taking folate as your body cannot develop a reserve.
People release excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins in their urine.Causes of folic acid deficiency
include:
Diet
A diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals is the main cause of folic acid
deficiency. In addition, overcooking your food can sometimes destroy the vitamins.
Folic acid levels in your body can become low in just a few weeks, if you don’t eat
enough folate-rich foods.
Disease
Diseases that affect absorption in the gastrointestinal tract can cause folic acid
deficiencies. Such diseases include:

 Crohn’s disease
 celiac disease
certain types of cancers people with severe kidney problems that require dialysis
Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause folic acid deficiency. These include:

 phenytoin (Dilantin)
 trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
 sulfasalazine
Excessive Alcohol Intake

Alcohol interferes with folic acid absorption. It also increases folate excretion through
the urine.
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency are often subtle. They include:

 fatigue
 grey hair
 mouth sores
 tongue swelling
 growth problems
Symptoms of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency include:

 persistent fatigue
 lethargy
 pale skin
 tender tongue
 irritability
 diarrhea
Pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid, also called pantothenate or vitamin B5 (a B vitamin), is a water-soluble
vitamin. For many animals, pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient. Animals require pantothenic acid
to synthesize coenzyme-A (CoA), as well as to synthesize and metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and
fats.

Pantothenic acid is the amide[edit]

between pantoic acid and β-alanine. Its name derives from the Greek pantothen
meaning "from everywhere", and small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in
nearly every food, with high amounts in whole-grain cereals, legumes, eggs,
meat,royal jelly, avocado, and yogurt.[2] It is commonly found as its alcohol analog,
the provitamin panthenol (pantothenol), and as calcium pantothenate. Pantothenic
acid is an ingredient in some hair and skin care products.[3]Pantothenic acid was
discovered by Roger J. Williams in 1933.[4]
Function
Pantothenic acid and biotin are essential for growth. They help the body break down and use
food. This is calledmetabolism.
Pantothenic acid also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Food Sources
Biotin is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including:
 Cereal
 Chocolate
 Egg yolk
 Legumes
 Milk
 Nuts
 Organ meats (liver, kidney)
 Pork
 Yeast
Pantothenic acid is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following:
 Avocado
 Broccoli, kale, and other vegetables in the cabbage family
 Eggs
 Legumes and lentils
 Milk
 Mushrooms
 Organ meats
 Poultry
 White and sweet potatoes
 Whole-grain cereals
 Yeast
Disease Treatment
Wound healing
 Administration of oral pantothenic acid and application of pantothenol ointment to the skin
have been shown to accelerate the closure of skin wounds and increase the strength of scar tissue in
animals. Adding calcium-D-pantothenate to cultured human skin cells given an artificial wound
increased the number of migrating skin cells and their speed of migration, effects likely to accelerate
wound healing (9). However, there are few data to support accelerated wound healing in humans.
A randomized, double-blind study in patients undergoing surgery for tattoo removal found that
supplementation with 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 200 mg of pantothenic acid did not significantly
improve the wound-healing process 
Vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothenic acid or pantothenate is a water soluble B-vitamin
that is critical for normal function of the human body.  This vitamin is also commonly called the anti-
stress nutrient because it plays a role in the production of stress hormones by the adrenal glands.
Deficiency of B-5 contributes to the inability to cope with stress.  Additionally, pantothenic acid plays
vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs.  Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which
is necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as
synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.
Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:
Fatigue
Elevated cholesterol
Burning and pain in the arms and legs
Burning feet
Nausea
Indigestion
Irritability
Fainting
Elevated heart rate
Susceptibility to infection
Premature graying of the hair
Hair loss
1. There are no known toxicity problems with high doses of pantothenic acid or pantethine.
Massive doses, 10 to 20 g per day, may cause diarrhea in some people, however. While
vitamin B5 is necessary for good health, the good news is that a deficiency of this essential
nutrient is extremely rare.