Expert answer:
B vitamins are very important for the metabolism in general, by participating in the construction or breakdown of macromolecules such as carbohydrates (sugars), proteins and fats.
Main functions of B vitamins:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): participates in the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates and in the initiation of the nervous impulse;
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): essential for cellular metabolism, energy production, cellular respiration and oxidative processes;
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): acts on the metabolism and production of fatty acids, proteins and carbohydrates;
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): essential for the metabolism of some molecules such as steroids, cholesterol, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, vitamins A and D
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): participates in the metabolism of amino acids, glucose, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and in the immune system;
- Vitamin B8 (Biotin): essential for the construction of fat molecules (cholesterol), glucose, amino acids (proteins) and energy metabolism of cells;
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): extremely important for the production of DNA and RNA and in cell renewal. It is usually prescribed by physicians 3 months before gestation and during the first 12 weeks of gestation to promote the formation of new cells in the fetus and prevent neural tube malformations;
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): essential in the catabolism of fats, formation of red blood cells and maintenance of neurons.
