The 3 B’s: Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid

When it comes to talking about vitamin B, there are some topics that come up more times than others. Did you know that vitamin B is not a stand alone vitamin such as vitamin A or C? Instead, vitamin B is composed of eight different water soluble vitamins. This is something that not a lot of people know, but also something that is quite important. Some of the most talked about aspects of vitamin B are folic acid, B6, and B12. You will want to become familiar with these “3 B’s” so that you can get what you need, and have a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is very important in keeping your body healthy. It is a water soluble vitamin, and was discovered over 70 years ago. The main food sources of vitamin B6 come from both vegetables and animals. This includes foods such as chicken, green beans, and fish. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B6 is no more than 2.0 mg, or less than 1.3 mg.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is dangerous, and something that you will need to make sure that you avoid. The problems that go along with vitamin B12 deficiency are anemia, as well as memory loss. The majority of people who suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency are older. Lack of B12 can also cause paralysis in extreme cases.

Folic Acid

The great thing about folic acid, another B vitamin, is that it can help to prevent against birth defects if taken during the early stages of pregnancy. The best way to control the amount of folic acid intake is to take a supplement that contains this B vitamin. If you do not want to take folic acid supplements you can get the proper amount from orange juice, green vegetables, and some cereals.

Overall, these three B vitamins are very important. Getting the recommended daily amount will help to keep your body healthy for longer. Not only can you get what you need from a variety of different foods, but there are also many supplements that can help you out as well.