The B group of vitamins may be one of the most commonly misunderstood of the vitamins, simply because these are several distinct vitamins lumped together. The fact that the vitamins in this group are known by both letter and number becomes confusing to many people. Its just often more difficult to remember numbers, meaning you may remember that its one of the B vitamins, but not remember which number is associated with that particular one. It may help to find out that each of the B vitamins also has a name.
B1 is also thiamin
B2 is also riboflavin
B3 is also niacin
B5 is also pantothenic acid
B6 is also pyridoxine
B7 is also biotin
B9 is also folic acid
B12 is also cobalamin
You should note that there are four additional substances in the B complex group, though they are not known as vitamins because they are not necessary for normal body function. They are choline, lipoic acid, PABA and inositol. When you purchase B complex vitamins, these four will not be included, and at least one or two of the recognized B vitamins may also be omitted. B5 and B7 are so widely available in food that most people simply get enough of...