There is much discussion about the B complex vitamin and how it is essential for the body to perform a multitude of functions. However, the B complex vitamin is not just one big complicated vitamin, as the name may imply. There are actually eight B vitamins in the B complex vitamin as well as a few other related substances. The eight vitamins that make up the B complex vitamin are: thiamine or vitamin B1, riboflavin or vitamin B2, niacin or vitamin B3, pyridoxine or vitamin B6, cobalamine or vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. Related substances also in the B complex vitamin include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Each component of the B complex vitamin has its own individual role within the body, yet it is when they work jointly as the B complex vitamin that they provide fundamental maintenance for the body to stay healthy. As B vitamins are water soluble, it is essential that an adequate amount of these vitamins are consumed on a daily basis. The body cannot store water soluble vitamins; this leads to a regular intake being required. The B complex is of assistance for a number of health conditions and additional quantities may be needed at certain times in a person’s life. Of course, there is a recommended daily allowance for the B complex vitamins that varies according to the sex and age of a person. Still, doctors and other health professionals have found benefits to increasing the intake of the B complex vitamin to help overcome certain illnesses. Research has determined that the B complex vitamin can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and stress. If a person has been unwell and is fatigued, the B complex vitamin can be extremely valuable in aiding the recovery process. Fatigue can be a symptom of a multitude of illnesses as well as simply overdoing things but the B complex vitamin can help lessen general tiredness and lethargy in either case. Interestingly, some skin conditions, such as dermatitis, may also benefit from addition B complex vitamin intake. In fact, a number of creams and other skin preparations contain added vitamin B complex that can be absorbed by the skin to alleviate the condition. Remember that since B vitamins are water soluble they are needed daily and you will understand how these creams and preparations could be beneficial.