Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamin B is a group of eight different B vitamins. These are: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
B Vitamins are found in a range of foods, including wholegrains, brewer’s yeast and legumes, but are found in highest concentrations in meat. Ultra Vitamin B Complex is a vegan-friendly supplement containing all eight essential B vitamins in one pack.
Read more about vitamin B with our Ultimate Vitamin B Guide.
Each type of vitamin B plays different roles in the body. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) contributes to the normal metabolism of iron, vitamin B3 (niacin) contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) contributes to normal mental performance, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and vitamin B7 (biotin) contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
Vitamin B complex tablets, such as Ultra Vitamin B Complex, are a convenient way to obtain all eight essential B vitamins, if you feel you are not getting enough from your diet.
Vitamin B complex includes vitamin B12 to help with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue ), vitamin B7 to help maintain normal skin and hair and vitamin B9 to support the normal function of the immune system (B9).
The various B vitamins are abundant in a range of foods. Leafy greens, such as spinach, are a rich source of vitamin B9 (folic acid). Shellfish contain high amounts of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), as well as vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Legumes, such as chickpeas and lentils, are a good source of vitamin B9 (folic acid), as well as containing smaller amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Meat, such as beef, is rich in B vitamins, whilst eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B7 (biotin).
Learn more in our guide to The Best Sources Of Vitamin B.
The amount of vitamin B we need varies as the UK’s Department of Health recommends a different intake of each of the eight B vitamins. For vitamin B5 and biotin however there are no specific recommended daily intakes.
Below are the advised intakes of the various B vitamins for men and women, aged 19 to 64:
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Vitamin B1 - men - 1mg and women - 0.8mg
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Vitamin B2 - men - 1.3mg and women -1.1mg
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Vitamin B3 - men -16.5mg and women -13.2mg
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Vitamin B6 - men - 1.4mg and women - 1.2mg
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Vitamin B12 adults -1.5µg
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Vitamin B9 (folic acid) - adults need 200 micrograms of folate a day. If you're pregnant, trying for a baby, or could get pregnant, it's recommended that you take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement daily until you're 12 weeks pregnant. (source: NHS.UK)