Vitamin B Vs Vitamin C

Vitamin B and vitamin C are two water-soluble vitamins required for the human body. These vitamins cannot be prepared in the human body and thus they have to be taken or supplemented from one’s regular diet. There are some specific differences between these two vitamins. Read below to know about the differences.

Vitamins are basically classified as per their biological functions and also their activity; however, not by their structures.

The vitamin B complexes are 8 water-soluble vitamins, which are known to play crucial roles in the metabolism of the cell. Earlier B vitamins were regarded to be one single vitamin and were referred to as vitamin B; but later it was discovered that there are eight B vitamins. Vitamin C on the other hand, is a single vitamin.

There are some differences between Vitamin B and vitamin C, based on their classification. Vitamin B complex is actually a group of compounds serving as the precursor for cofactors and enzymes and thus acts as a catalyst in several metabolic reactions. The C Vitamin complexes are a group of compounds functioning as antioxidants in the human body.

Vitamin B: Vitamin B complexes are of 8 different types, such as: Vitamin B1 also referred to as Thiamine, Vitamin B2 also referred to as Riboflavin, B3 also referred to as Niacin, B5 Vitamin also referred to as Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6 also referred to as Pyridoxine, Vitamin B7 also referred to as Biotin, Vitamin B9 also referred to as Folic acid and Vitamin B12 also referred to as Cobalamin.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also referred to by the name of Ascorbic acid.

Vitamins are known to be best when they are consumed from natural sources of food and not from the vitamin pills. The water soluble vitamins are removed from our body quite easily when they are taken in excess. Although taking an overdose of these vitamins can also result in some serious symptoms in the body.

• Sources of vitamin B are potatoes, lentils, banana, and meats such as turkey, tuna.
• Sources of vitamin C include most of the fruits as well as vegetables.

Vitamin B is required for the promotion of regular metabolism of cell, which includes the cell division and cell growth. The vitamin B also plays a crucial role in improving the function of immune system and nervous system of the body. In addition, vitamin B complex also benefits in preserving a healthy skin and also in improving the muscle tone. It is also found that when vitamin B complex is consumed on a regular basis in a well balanced diet, it shows a reduction in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Vitamin C on the other hand, works as an antioxidant in our body and it even works as a coenzyme and a cofactor for several biochemical pathways.

Daily dietary requirement for vitamin B complex varies for each of the vitamin, such as:

• Vitamin B1: 1 to 1.5mg.
• Vitamin B2: 1.2 to 1.7mg.
• Vitamin B3: 14 mg to 20 mg.
• Vitamin B5: 5 mg to 8 mg.
• Vitamin B6: 1.5 mg to 2 mg.
• Vitamin B7: 100 mcg.
• Vitamin B9: 181 mcg to 200 mcg.
• Vitamin B12: 2 micrograms.

Vitamin C: As per the United States National Academy Of sciences, the daily dietary requirement for Vitamin C complex must be 60 mg to 95 mg per day.

Deficiency of vitamin B complexes results in diseases, such as beriberi, anemia, pellagra, dermatitis, ariboflavinosis and other health conditions.

Deficiency of C Vitamin causes scurvy or a condition that is caused because of unstable collagen. Bleeding of gums as well as liver spots on skin are some of the symptoms of scurvy caused by Vitamin C deficiency.

In certain cases, consuming overdose of the B vitamins in injection form or in form of some dietary supplements can result in toxicity. This might cause severe neurological damage and even liver toxicity.

Taking an overdose of Vitamin C results in indigestion and also diarrhea. Some other symptoms of Vitamin C overdose may include: skin rashes, fatigue, headache and disturbances in sleep.

So, now that you are made aware of the differences between these 2 popular vitamins, namely Vitamin B and Vitamin C, you can take them accordingly from different food sources or supplements.

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