Vitamin B Fact Sheet

This is something new I'm trying: writing and publishing articles through Triond, in addition to this blog. I chose to publish this particular article elsewhere because it's not entirely relevant to
endurance athletes (although it's probably helpful).

I enjoyed learning about the B complex vitamins and what they do. I had no idea that they were so relevant to me personally. I've always been kind of confused about all those various letters and numbers.

A quick disclaimer: I'm not a dietitian. I'm not even a nutritionist. I can't prescribe. I can't even really suggest, other than to say very basic things like fast food is bad for you. I'm professionally obligated (and rightly so) to make you aware of that fact. The stuff I'm writing about Vitamin B is mostly from online sources, which means that you are every bit as capable as I am of coming up with this information.

And now that I've adequately disclaimed, let me say this: B vitamins--particularly B6 and B12--are one of a handful of supplements that I would consider taking (calcium, iron, and protein are the others). This is because it's difficult for me to get B12 and B6, which are found most plentifully in animal protein, in my normal diet, and I don't want to risk a deficiency in these important nutrients. However, for the most part, I strongly dislike the idea of taking pills instead of eating healthy food. I know that for some people it's necessary (or at least habitual). Definitely not judging anyone for taking vitamins. But I prefer to get my nutrients from real food.

Anyway, enough about nutrition (since I'm not even qualified to give advice in this area). Here's the link to the collected facts (as I've interpreted them, anyway).