The Importance of B Vitamins

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

10 Mar 2009 12:18 PM

Folic acid is the B vitamin that gets the most attention during pregnancy. This is deserved considering the information about the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects. However, folic acid is just one of several important vitamins for mother and baby.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine is important for muscle growth and tone, the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. Food sources include beef, eggs, legumes, breads, whole grain cereals, brown rice, green leafy vegetables and nuts.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin is important for digestion, immune system support and energy production. Food sources include milk, eggs, meat, cheese, whole grains and peas.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Niacin is important for energy, nervous system support, blood pressure and circulation. Food sources include eggs, milk, meat, fish, potatoes, peanuts and legumes.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is important for brain development, the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of proteins to amino acids. An old home remedy for morning sickness is an increase in the intake of B6, although there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is true. Food sources include liver, organ meats, soybeans, fish, brown rice and wheat germ.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells and the development of the nervous system. Food sources include eggs, milk, meat and poultry. The only sources of this vitamin are animal sources. In most cases, doctors advise vegetarian mothers to take a B12 supplement to prevent a deficiency.

If you are interested in how B vitamins work in the body, here is an interesting explanation.

Related Articles:

The Importance of Folate

Nutrition for Vegetarian Mothers to Be

The Importance of Calcium for Your Pregnancy

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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