Vitamins are an essential component of our diet. They are water-soluble nutrients that are not stored in the body.
They are required in minute amounts, but they are essential for the proper functioning and growth of the body. There are eight types of vitamins present altogether, each of which is needed in the body.
Key Takeaways
- B12 is a single vitamin, while B-complex combines various B vitamins.
- B12 is essential for proper red blood cell formation and brain function, while B-complex helps maintain good health and prevent infections.
- B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and nerve damage, while B-complex deficiency can cause fatigue, depression, and skin problems.
B12 vs B Complex
B12 is just one of the eight B vitamins that form the B complex. Vitamin B can be found in legumes, whole grains, potatoes, bananas, chilli peppers, turkey, tuna, liver, etc, while B12 is found in animal-derived foods such as fish, shellfish, eggs, meat, etc and milk-based products.
Vitamin B 12, or cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that is required in the body in minute amounts.
Although needed in a minute amount, it is required in everyday diet as vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common types of vitamin deficiency as this essential vitamin is not found in any plant product and sources.
Vitamin B Complex is the common term for the set of all eight types of vitamins and not just one type. Having overall vitamin deficiency is rare as one or two types of vitamins are found in nearly all food.
Each of the vitamins present in any vitamin complex tablet is present in prescribed amounts that are required every day.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | B12 | B Complex |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Vitamins | Vitamins B12 are only one type of vitamin. | Vitamin B Complex is a mixture of eight types of vitamins. |
| Deficiency | The most common type of vitamin deficiency. | Deficiency is not common. |
| Sources | It is found in dairy products, beef liver, meat, etc. | It is found in a variety of food substances. Nearly all food substances have some kind of vitamin. |
| Effects | It helps in energy derivation and repair and the building of genetic material. | It helps in energy derivation, proper growth of muscles and nerves, during pregnancy, etc. |
| Needed Amount | About 12.4 mcg is required daily. | About 465.9 mcg is required in total for normal body functioning. |
What is B12?
B 12 or Vitamin 12 is one of the vitamins that come under essential nutrients of the body. It contains the mineral cobalt that is required by the body. Due to the presence of cobalt in its integral structure, vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin.
Vitamin B 12 is not found in any plant sources. It is found only in animal and dairy products like clams, beef, liver, meat, eggs, poultry, etc. Breakfast cereals today also come fortified with Vitamin B 12.
This is the reason why vegetarians are most likely to suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Breakfast cereals are the best options for such people.
The main function of vitamin B12 is to metabolize carbohydrates and fats, and this derives energy from it. It also works with folic acid to help repair and build genetic material.
Although it is a micronutrient, i.e., it is required in a very small amount (12.4 mcg), it is an essential element for proper body functioning like growth, muscle repair, proper digestive functioning, etc.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, poor appetite, canker sores, shingles, high homocysteine levels, etc. Cyanine poisoning can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, and Immerslund Grasbeck disease is an inherited vitamin B12 deficiency.
What is B Complex?
B Complex or vitamin B Complex is a predetermined mixture of eight types of vitamins, namely Vitamin B 1 ( Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamins).
Nearly all goods have some type of vitamin. For example, B5 is found in almost all food, vitamin B1. B2. B3 is found in plant products, B12 is found in animal products, and so on.
Nuts, legumes, milk, and meat are good sources of vitamins. This is the reason by getting a deficiency of all types of vitamins at once is rare.
The main function of the vitamin B Complex is the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats proteins. It helps in normal muscle functioning, neuro functioning, and heart functions.
They also help in normal cell growth, RBC growth, etc. It is a macronutrient as the amount requires in the body is large (400-500mcg).
Vitamin B Complex deficiency causes fatigue, scaly skin, cracked heels, rashes, diarrhoea, muscle dysfunctions, oral ulcers, etc.
Alcohol dependence, HIV, Crohn’s disease, etc., can cause lowered vitamin absorption in the body, leading to adverse effects commonly termed deficiencies.
Main Differences Between B12 and B Complex
- Vitamin B12 is a micronutrient, whereas Vitamin B Complex is a macronutrient.
- Vitamin B12 is not found in any plant-derived foods, whereas vitamin B Complex is found in almost all food substances.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, whereas Vitamin B Complex deficiency is very rare.
- Fortified cereals contain vitamin B12, whereas it does not contain vitamin B Complex.
- Vitamin B12 is the name of one cobalt-containing vitamin, whereas vitamin B Complex, coming as oral tablets, is a prescribed combination of eight types of vitamins ( B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).
- Inherited diseases can also cause Vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas there are no inherited vitamin B Complex deficiencies.
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmcp1113996
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=iMQKAwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA10&dq=vitamin+b+complex&ots=RQo_CRihru&sig=ECqly3TEbo1IQ_MlvLz3aPu4N_4
Last Updated : 01 August, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The detailed comparison between B12 and B Complex vitamins offers valuable insights into their specific roles in the body. I appreciate the emphasis on the needed amounts for normal body functioning.
I share the same sentiment. The article effectively addresses the significance of B12 and B Complex vitamins and the impact of their deficiencies.
The comparison table offers a precise breakdown of the key differences between B12 and B Complex vitamins. It’s a helpful resource for understanding their distinct functions and sources.
Definitely, the detailed comparison enables individuals to make informed choices about their dietary intake of essential vitamins.
Agreed. The clarity provided in the comparison table aids in understanding the specific roles of B12 and B Complex vitamins for overall health.
The detailed explanations of B12 and B Complex vitamins are commendable. It provides readers with a thorough understanding of these essential nutrients and their vital roles in the body.
Absolutely, the article offers a comprehensive analysis that enhances our knowledge about the functions and significance of B12 and B Complex vitamins.
I appreciate the thorough explanation about the differences and need for B12 and B Complex vitamins.
The detailed descriptions of B12 and B Complex vitamins presented here are very informative and helpful.
The comprehensive overview of vitamin B12 and B Complex vitamins is enlightening. It underscores the necessity of these vitamins for essential body functions and overall health.
Absolutely, the information provided is valuable for individuals aiming to maintain a well-rounded diet that meets their nutritional needs.
I found the section on vitamin B12 extremely insightful. The details about its functions and sources are valuable for those looking to increase their B12 intake.
I completely agree. The information provided about B12 is comprehensive and highlights its significance for proper body functioning.
The comparison table provided here is a great way to differentiate between B12 and B Complex vitamins.
The importance of B Complex vitamins in supporting various bodily functions is well-explained in this article. It’s crucial to recognize the sources of these vitamins for a balanced diet.
The section on vitamin B Complex provides clarity on the functions and sources of each vitamin. It’s beneficial for anyone seeking to enhance their nutritional knowledge.
Absolutely, understanding the role of each B Complex vitamin helps individuals make informed dietary choices.
This article provides valuable information about the sources and deficiency of B12 and B Complex vitamins.
Understanding the functionality and implications of both B12 and B Complex vitamins is crucial, and this article does an excellent job of explaining it.
I appreciate the detailed explanation about the need for B12 and B Complex vitamins in our everyday diet.
I find the comparison of the types of vitamins, sources, and effects of B12 and B Complex vitamins highly educational.
The breakdown of B12 vs B Complex is very well presented. It’s fascinating to learn about the distinct roles of each vitamin and how they contribute to overall health.
Absolutely, the comparison table provides a clear understanding of the differences between B12 and B Complex. It’s an excellent reference.
Thank you for this informative article, it’s essential to understand the difference between B12 and B Complex vitamins.
This article is extremely informative. It serves as a great reminder of the importance of both B12 and B Complex vitamins. I appreciate the in-depth explanation of how each vitamin functions and the sources in which they can be found.
I couldn’t agree more. Understanding the differences between B12 and B Complex is essential for maintaining a balanced, healthy diet.
Yes, the article provides a great overview. It’s important to be aware of the different types of vitamins and the impact of deficiencies.
The content on vitamin B12 and B Complex vitamins is wonderfully articulate. It effectively communicates the importance of these nutrients and the potential risks associated with their deficiencies.
I couldn’t agree more. The article serves as an educational resource on the functions and significance of B12 and B Complex vitamins.
This article explains the importance of B12 and B Complex vitamins in a detailed manner.
The in-depth explanations regarding B12 and B Complex vitamins are highly informative. It highlights the importance of these nutrients and the potential consequences of their deficiencies.
Absolutely, the comprehensive overview serves as a valuable reference for individuals seeking knowledge about essential vitamins.
I share the same view. The article effectively educates readers about the significance of vitamins and their respective functions.
The detailed insights into the functions and deficiencies of B12 and B Complex vitamins make this article very informative.