Vitamin B

Primer

Vitamin B6, B9, B12 help in the creation of serotonin, through metabolizing tryptophan.

A Quick Review on Vitamins

Vitamins are either water-soluble (vitamins B and C), or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, K)
  • Fat-soluble vitamins are dependent on absorption from the ileum and pancreas. Toxicity is easier with fat soluble vitamins because these vitamins accumulate in fat. Malabsorption syndromes such as cystic fibrosis and/or celiac disease) can result in fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
  • Water-soluble vitamins are usually important coenzymes in cellular processes or precursors to coenzymes. All are excreted easily from the body, except for vitamins B12 and B9. B vitamin deficiency can result in glossitis, dermatitis, and diarrhea. For certain vitamin B deficiencies (B1 and B12), there can be neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms as well. Broadly, the B vitamins include:
    • B1 (thiamine)
    • B2 (riboflavin)
    • B3 (niacin)
    • B5 (pantothenic acid)
    • B6 (pyridoxine)
    • B7 (biotin)
    • B9 (folate)
      • Is stored in the liver between 3 to 4 months
    • B12 (cobalamin)
      • Is stored in the liver between 3 to 4 years