The B vitamin complex (also called B vitamins) are a group of 8 vitamins. They have an important job in the metabolism of cells. Each B vitamin is a cofactor (a coenzyme) for some key metabolic processes or it is a precursor needed to make one. B vitamins are water-soluble and are stored in the water in the body, and excreted in urine.
Originally, people thought they were just different forms of one vitamin (as with Vitamin D, for example). Later it turned out that they are separate vitamins that often can be found together. The B vitamins that the body cannot make are:
Vitamin P is now known as flavonoids. Vitamin B4, called adenine, thought to be a vitamin in the past, or associated with choline in the past, is no longer classified as a vitamin because the body can make (synthesize) it. Vitamin B8 (inositol) is now referred to as a vitamin-like sugar alcohol. Inositol is used in nerve functioning, nutrient metabolism, as well as insulin signalling.
B vitamins are required for growth, and proper functioning of nerves and muscles. B vitamins are found in meat, milk, whole grains and fresh vegetables.
