vitamin B complex

vitamin B complex

n.

A group of water-soluble vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, folic acid, inositol, and vitamin B₁₂ and occurring chiefly in yeast, liver, eggs, and some vegetables. Also called B complex.

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vitamin B, vitamin B complex

a group of water-soluble substances described separately. Includes biotin, choline, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B₁₂ (below). Most domestic animals do not require dietary supplementation if they are fed natural feeds. Artificially prepared feeds are usually supplemented because losses may occur during storage and preparation.

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vitamin B B₁

thiamin.

vitamin B B₂

riboflavin.

vitamin B B₃

the niacin group of B-vitamins, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.

vitamin B B₆

a group of methylpyridine derivatives that includes pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal.

vitamin B B₇

an uncharacterized promoter of digestion in pigeons, possibly a mixture of compounds; called also vitamin I.

vitamin B B₁₂

a generic term describing all corrinoids with biological activity of cyanocobalamin. Required by all cells for nuclear maturation and cell division but required particularly for erythropoiesis. The vitamin is produced by ruminants who require only cobalt in sufficient quantities in their diet. A nutritional deficiency of the vitamin causes a maturation failure anemia, anorexia and failure to thrive. An inherited defect in absorption of vitamin B₁₂ has been described in Miniature schnauzers. Called also cyanocobalamin. See also hydroxocobalamin.

vitamin B B₁₂ absorption test

measurement of radiolabeled cyanocobalamin excreted in the urine after oral administration (with parenteral administration to saturate the vitamin B₁₂ binding sites). Used as a measure of intestinal absorption and, in humans, the presence of intrinsic factor. Called also Schilling test.

vitamin B B_c

folic acid.

vitamin B B_T

see carnitine.