Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is naturally manufactured by the body. Riboflavin is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Riboflavin is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin A- Otherwise known as retinol is the vitamin which helps the eyes to adjust to changes in light levels as well as keeping the eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist. Vitamin A enters the human diet mostly from animal foods, but as well as this some plant foods contain beta-carotene, which the body is then able to convert into Vitamin A. Retinol has antioxidant properties that help the body to repair tissue and cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals. Although there seems to be some evidence that retinol may help in cases of established artery disease the American Heart Association does not recommend it as a necessary supplement until there is more evidence.

Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins and is a water soluble vitamin. It is also called cobalamin. It has a very complex chemical structure which is evident from its molecular formula C63H88CoN14O14P. The word vitamin is from the Greek word vitae which mean life. This is indicative of the importance of these chemicals for the body. In fact, this vitamin serves many functions which are vital to life. These include production of blood, normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system, DNA and fatty acid synthesis and regulation and the metabolism of all cells in general. This vitamin can only be synthesized by bacteria.

Vitamin B6 allows the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, as well as lipids to take place, also aids in keeping skin vibrant.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is also known as the antiscorbitic vitamin because it prevents the nutritional disease Scurvy. Its most active form is L-ascorbic acid and L-dehydroascorbic acid. Vitamin C is known for building up the body’s defenses against infection. However, there is more to this vitamin than just being an immunity-builder. It is essential to normal functioning of all cellular units including ribosomes and mitochondria. This is because it is a primary requirement in the formation and maintenance of the “binder” that holds cells as well as the cellular fluid inside. Furthermore, this water-soluble vitamin is necessary in the conversion of folic acid into its active form, folinic acid, necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It also speeds up wound and fracture healing, is involved in metabolism of some essential amino acids, plays a role in the production of steroid hormones for stress response and promotes the absorption of iron for the body to use. It is also an antioxidant vitamin that protects normal cells from the damage of oxidative free radicals.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is an antioxidant. Vitamin E helps to gradually break down blood clots in the circulatory system and helps prevent more from forming. Involved in red blood cell formation.