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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html

B Vitamins

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Summary

The B vitamins are:

  • B1 (thiamine)
  • B2 (riboflavin)
  • B3 (niacin)
  • B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • B6
  • B7 (biotin)
  • B12
  • Folic acid

These vitamins help the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. They also help form red blood cells. You can get B vitamins from proteins such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas also have B vitamins. Many cereals and some breads have added B vitamins.

Not getting enough of certain B vitamins can cause diseases. A lack of B12 or B6 can cause anemia.

Start Here

  • Niacin From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements)
  • Pantothenic Acid From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish
  • Riboflavin From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish
  • Thiamin From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish
  • Vitamin B12 From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish
  • Vitamin B6 From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.