vitamin B
Noun: A group of water-soluble vitamins that are essential for various metabolic processes in the body. Originally considered a single vitamin, it is now understood to be a complex of several distinct vitamins, each with its own specific function.
The term "vitamin B" is primarily used to refer to the group or complex as a whole. When referring to a specific member, the full designation (e.g., vitamin B12) is typically used. * A balanced diet should include sources of vitamin B. * Nutritional yeast is often fortified with vitamin B.
- Many whole grains are excellent sources of vitamin B.
- A deficiency in certain vitamin B compounds can lead to fatigue.
- The doctor recommended a supplement containing the vitamin B complex.
- "B-complex": A common synonym for the group of B vitamins, often used in the context of dietary supplements.
- She takes a daily B-complex vitamin to support her energy levels.
- B vitamins (noun phrase): The preferred modern term for the group, emphasizing its plurality.
- Vitamin B1 (noun): Thiamine.
- Vitamin B2 (noun): Riboflavin.
- Vitamin B3 (noun): Niacin.
- Vitamin B6 (noun): Pyridoxine.
- Vitamin B9 (noun): Folate or folic acid.
- Vitamin B12 (noun): Cobalamin.
- B-complex vitamin (noun phrase): Another common term for the group.
- B-complex
- B vitamins
The core meaning of "vitamin B" is collective. It does not refer to a single chemical substance but to a category of essential nutrients that share the property of being water-soluble and often work together in cellular metabolism. The historical context—being originally thought to be a single vitamin—is a key part of its definition.
- originally thought to be a single vitamin but now separated into several B vitamins