What is the other name for vitamin B1, B6, and B12?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is crucial for energy metabolism and cell function. This article answers the question, "What is the other name for vitamin B1, B6, and B12?" and explores the significance of these essential B-complex vitamins for overall health.

Quick Summary

The other names for vitamin B1, B6, and B12 are thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin, respectively. Each plays a distinct yet interconnected role in supporting vital bodily functions, including metabolism, nerve health, and red blood cell formation.

Key Points

Vitamin B1 is Thiamine: This vitamin is essential for converting food, especially carbohydrates, into energy for the body's cells.
Vitamin B6 is Pyridoxine: Critical for over 100 enzyme reactions, pyridoxine is involved in protein metabolism and the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B12 is Cobalamin: This complex, cobalt-containing vitamin is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper nerve function.
Dietary Sources Vary: Each vitamin has different primary food sources; B1 is found in whole grains and pork, B6 in fish and starchy vegetables, and B12 primarily in animal products.
Absorption is Unique: The absorption process differs for each vitamin, with B12 absorption requiring a specific binding protein called intrinsic factor.
Deficiency Symptoms Differ: Deficiency in each vitamin can lead to distinct health issues, ranging from beriberi (B1) to neurological damage and megaloblastic anemia (B12).
All are Water-Soluble: As water-soluble vitamins, the body does not store large amounts, so a regular dietary intake is necessary for all three.

Understanding the B-Vitamins: B1, B6, and B12

The B-complex vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that are essential for many cellular processes, with each member performing a specific function. Among the most well-known are B1, B6, and B12, each with a unique chemical name that is often used in medical and nutritional contexts. Knowing these alternate names is helpful for interpreting product labels and understanding health information.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine

Vitamin B1 is commonly known as thiamine. It was one of the first B vitamins to be discovered and is critical for helping the body convert food into usable energy. Thiamine is a coenzyme for key metabolic reactions, especially those involving carbohydrates. A severe deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a condition known as beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Food Sources of Thiamine:

Whole grains: Fortified cereals, whole-wheat bread, brown rice.
Pork and fish: Pork is a particularly rich source.
Legumes: Black beans, soybeans, lentils.
Nuts and seeds: Sunflower seeds.
Yeast: Brewer's yeast is often used in supplements.

Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine

Vitamin B6 is also known by its chemical name, pyridoxine. The term pyridoxine actually refers to a group of six related compounds, with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) being the active coenzyme form. Pyridoxine is involved in more than 100 enzyme reactions, primarily related to protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. It is also essential for brain development and immune function.

Key functions of pyridoxine include:

Aiding in the creation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood.
Supporting the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Helping maintain normal homocysteine levels, which is important for heart health.

Vitamin B12: Cobalamin

The other name for vitamin B12 is cobalamin. This is a complex, essential vitamin that is produced naturally by bacteria and contains the mineral cobalt. Unlike most other water-soluble vitamins, the body can store vitamin B12 for several years, primarily in the liver. The most common form used in supplements and injections is cyanocobalamin.

Cobalamin is essential for:

Red blood cell formation and the prevention of megaloblastic anemia.
Proper nerve function and the synthesis of DNA.
Neurological function, with deficiency potentially causing serious and irreversible damage if left untreated.

Comparison of B-Vitamins: B1 vs. B6 vs. B12


Feature	Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Primary Function	Converts carbohydrates to energy.	Protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism.	Red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis.
Key Food Sources	Whole grains, pork, legumes, nuts.	Fish, liver, starchy vegetables, noncitrus fruits.	Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs), fortified foods.
Primary Storage	Very limited storage; needs regular intake.	Stored in the liver and muscles.	Can be stored in the liver for several years.
Deficiency Condition	Beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.	Anemia, dermatitis, depression, confusion.	Megaloblastic anemia, neurological damage.
Absorption Mechanism	Passive diffusion and active transport.	Absorbed mainly in the jejunum.	Requires intrinsic factor for ileal absorption.

Conclusion

In summary, the other names for vitamin B1, B6, and B12 are thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin, respectively. These B-complex vitamins are indispensable for a wide array of bodily functions, from energy production and metabolism to neurological health and the formation of red blood cells. While a balanced diet is the best way to obtain these nutrients, supplements may be necessary for certain individuals, particularly those with malabsorption issues, specific medical conditions, or dietary restrictions. Understanding the different names and specific roles of these vitamins empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their nutritional health. For more detailed information on nutrient functions, the National Institutes of Health provides extensive fact sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference; thiamine is simply the chemical name for vitamin B1. It's a single vitamin that aids in converting food into energy.

Pyridoxine is the most common chemical form of vitamin B6 and is often used interchangeably with the name B6. It refers to a group of six related compounds with vitamin B6 activity.

Yes, cobalamin is the other name for vitamin B12. The name comes from the fact that the molecule contains the mineral cobalt.

Thiamine's primary function is to help the body's cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also vital for the proper function of nerve, muscle, and heart cells.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells, and can also cause serious neurological damage if untreated.

Most healthy adults can get sufficient amounts of these B vitamins from a balanced diet. However, people with certain dietary restrictions (e.g., vegans) or malabsorption issues may need supplements, especially for B12.

Pyridoxine plays a crucial role as a coenzyme in over 100 enzymatic reactions, mainly assisting in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also contributes to brain development and immune function.