Vitamin B Complex consists of how many vitamins?

Question

Vitamin B Complex consists of how many vitamins?

1. A. 6
2. B. 8 (Correct answer)
3. C. 7
4. D. 5

Correct Answer

Option B — 8

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 8.

Key Points

• The Vitamin B complex comprises eight water-soluble vitamins.
• These are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin).
• Being water-soluble, they are not stored in the body in quantity and must be replenished through diet.
• Deficiencies produce distinct diseases — beriberi from B1, pellagra from B3 and pernicious anaemia from B12.

Additional Information

• Vitamins divide into two groups, and the distinction is asked as often as the count:
  • Water-soluble — the B complex and vitamin C; excess is excreted, so they must be taken regularly
  • Fat-soluble — A, D, E and K; these are stored in the liver and fatty tissue
• Deficiency diseases worth memorising: B1 → beriberi, B3 → pellagra, B9 → neural tube defects, B12 → pernicious anaemia, C → scurvy, D → rickets.