Food and Health Communications

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Food Sources of B Vitamins

Vitamin B consists of a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Here's a list of different types of B vitamins and their common food sources:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

  • Whole grains: brown rice, whole wheat

  • Meat: pork, beef

  • Fish: trout, tuna

  • Legumes: lentils, black beans

  • Nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

  • Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt

  • Eggs

  • Lean meats: beef, lamb

  • Green vegetables: spinach, broccoli

  • Enriched cereals and grains

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

  • Meat: chicken, turkey, beef

  • Fish: tuna, salmon

  • Whole grains: brown rice, barley

  • Legumes: peanuts

  • Vegetables: mushrooms, potatoes

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

  • Meat: chicken, beef, pork

  • Fish: salmon, trout

  • Dairy products: milk, cheese

  • Eggs

  • Vegetables: broccoli, avocados, sweet potatoes

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Meat: chicken, turkey, pork

  • Fish: tuna, salmon

  • Whole grains: oats, brown rice

  • Legumes: chickpeas, soybeans

  • Vegetables and fruits: bananas, potatoes, spinach

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

  • Eggs: especially egg yolks

  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, peanuts

  • Legumes: soybeans, peanuts

  • Whole grains

  • Vegetables: sweet potatoes, spinach

Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid)

  • Leafy greens: spinach, kale

  • Legumes: lentils, chickpeas

  • Fruits: oranges, strawberries

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Fortified cereals and grains

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

  • Animal products: meat, fish, poultry

  • Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt

  • Eggs

  • Fortified foods: plant-based milk, cereals

A balanced diet that includes a variety of these foods will help ensure adequate intake of the B vitamins.