Vitamin B1 or Thiamine, as it is more commonly referred to now,is one of the most important members of the B group of vitamins. Thiamine promotes growth, protects the heart muscle, and stimulates brain action. It plays an important role in the normal functioning of the entire nervous system. It aids digestion, especially of carbohydrates. It has a mild diuretic effect: that is it increases urine formation. It improves peristalsis and helps to prevent constipation. It also helps to maintain the normal red blood count, improves circulation, and promotes a healthy skin. It protects against the damaging effect of lead poisoning, and prevents oedema or fluid retention in connection with heart ailments.It also reduces fatigue,increases stamina, and prevents premature ageing and senility by increasing mental alertness. Like other vitamins of the B complex group, it is more potent when combined with other B vitamins rather than used separately.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is the second member of the B complex group. Riboflavin is essential for growth and general health. It functions as a part of a group of enzymes whi8ch are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is involved in a number of chemical reactions in the body and is therefore essential for normal tissue maintenance. Riboflavin aids digestion and helps in the functioning of the nervous system. It prevents constipation, promotes a healthy skin,nails and hair, and strengthens the mucous lining of the mouth, lips and tongue. Riboflavin also plays an important role in the health of the eyes and alleviates eye strain. This vitamin is particularly helpful in counteracting the tendency towards glaucoma. An ample supply of vitamin B2 provides vigour and helps to preserve the appearance and feeling of youth.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin is an important vitamin of the B group. Niacin in important for proper blood circulation and the healthy functioning of the nervous system. It maintains the normal functions of the gastro-intestinal tract and is essential for the proper metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. It helps to maintain a healthy skin. Niacin dilates the blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the peripheral capillary system. This vitamin is also essential for the synthesis of sex hormones, namely oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as cortisone, thyroxin, and insulin.

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid is a water soluble vitamin of the B complex group. Pantothenic Acid is a part of the enzyme system which plays a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and in the synthesis of amino acids and fatty acids. It is also essential for the formation of porphyrin, the pigment portion of the haemoglobin molecule of the red blood cells. This vitamin is involved in all the vital functions of the body. It stimulates the adrenal glands and increases production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones. It is primarily used as an anti-stress factor and protects against most physical and mental stresses and toxins. Pantothenic Acid increases vitality,wards off infections,and speeds recovery from ill health. It helps in maintaining the normal growth and developement of the central nervous system. This vitamin prevents premature ageing. It also provides protection against any damage caused by excessive radiation.

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine is a versatile vitamin of the B complex group. Pyridoxine aids in food assimilation and protein and fat metabolism, especially in the metabolism of essential fatty acids. It activates many enzymes and enzyme systems. It is involved in the production of antibodies which protect against bacterial diseases. Pyridoxine helps in the healthy functioning of the nervous system and brain. It is essential for the normal reproductive process and healthy pregnancies. This vitamin prevents nervous and skin disorders, provides protection against a high cholecterol level, certain types of heart disease, and diabetes. It prevents tooth decay.Vitamin B6 regulates the balance between sodium and potassium in the body,which is vitally important for the normal body functions. It is also required for absorption of vitamin B12 and for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium. Vitamin B6 is now considered as a wonder treatment for a wide range of common ailments, such as, diabetes,haemorrhoids, convulsions in infants and women, vaginal bleeding, stress and insomnia,morning sickness and travel sickness.

Vitamin B8 or Biotin,is a member of the vitamin B complex group.

Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid, also known as folacin or folate, is another important member of the B complex group. Folic Acid in combination with vitamin B12, is essential for the formation, maturation and multiplication of red blood cells. It is necessary for the growth and division of all body cells, including nerve cells,and for manufacturing a number of nerve transmitters. It also produces nucleic acids, RNA(ribonucleic Acid) and DNA(Deoxyribonucleic Acid),that carry hereditary patterns. It aids in protein metabolism and contributes to normal growth. Folic acid helps in the building of antibodies which prevent and heal infections. It is essential for the health of the skin and hair, and helps to prevent premature greying of the hair. Folic acid is the significant important nutrient for a pregnant woman and her developing foetus. In fact, eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in folate, from conception until the due date, is the best policy a woman can adopt to ensure that her pregnancy will be a happy and a healthy one. Folic acid also improves lactation. Large doses of folic acid has been found beneficial in the treatment of a few diseases which are rare such as, megaloblastic anaemia, sprue, recurrent abortion, mental retardation, brown spots on the skin and gout.

Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin, another member of the B complex group is produced only by fungi and bacteria. Human intestinal bacteria also produced appreciable quantities of it. It was effective in a type of anaemia called pernicious anaemia, in as small a quantity as one-millionth part of a gram. Its deficiency in the body occurred usually due to malabsorption from the intestine rather than from malnutrition. This vitamin in destroyed by factors like sunlight, alcohol, oestrogen-the female hormone, and sleeping pills. The presence of sufficient quantities of gastric juice is essential to facilitate its absorptionin the intestine. Calcium and protein-rich food greatly help the absorption of this vitamin from the intestines. The amount of vitamin B12 which is not immediately needed by the body is stored in the liver,which is capable of storing relatively large amounts of this nutrient.About 30mcg of vitamin B12 are excreted in the normal urine daily. When injected in a large dose up to 100mcg, upto 90% of the quantity is excreted. This vitamin is also secreted in breast milk for the use of babies.Like vitamin B6,vitamin B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells. It is also needed for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. It improves concentration, memory, and balance and relieves irritability. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper utilisation of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for body building.It promotes growth and increases appetite in children.This vitamin is also involved in many vital metabolic and enzymatic processes, including the metabolism of folic acid. If the immune cells made in the bone marrow are to mature into active disease-fighters, a sufficient quatity of vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary.