Vitamin B in banana: Importance for human health

Bananas are found to be an excellent source of vitamins. Among vitamin B in banana and plantain: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Folate (B9), Pantothenic acid (B5) and Pyridoxine (B6)

*Folate (Vitamin B9) enables red blood cell production (erythropoiesis). It enhances immunity levels and biosynthesizes nucleic acids, nerve tissues (brain functionality) and proteins. It helps in DNA damage risk prevention and immunological homeostasis.

Folate is also important as it helps the body as a coenzyme to
• form blood cells in the bone marrow
• ensure rapid cell growth in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy
• control (together with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, associated with certain chronic conditions such as heart disease.

*Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of fatty acid. Pantothenic acid has antistressor properties which also contribute to the production of neurotransmitters. (Contain about 0.26 mg/100g in banana)

*Dietary riboflavin contributes to the generation of inflammatory and immunity signaling molecules within immune cells through the mechanism of NADPH oxidase 2 priming. (Riboflavin in banana 0.04-0.07 mg/100g)

*Bananas contain 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Pyridoxine enhances immunity integrity via the linkage formation between chemokines and cytokines, while it enhances immune feedback towards increased antibody output. Pyridoxine also promotes brain health, heart health, and more. (contain about 0.51 mg/100g in banana)

*Thiamine (Vitamin B1) essential both as a coenzyme and noncoenzyme, and is involved in many processes, particularly in energy transformation, and oxidative and nonoxidative carbohydrate metabolism. It is centrally important in nerve functioning and energy generation from carbohydrates. 

Thiamine modulates the neurological transmission system, improves brain functionality, protects the peripheral nervous system from compromise, and is involved in synthesizing myelin. (Thiamine in banana 0.04-0.08 mg/100g).

*Niacin (Vitamin B3), shown in Figure 13, is anti-inflammatory and immunohomeostatic in its activity. It inhibits the multiplicity of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the tumor necrosis factor usually effected by monocytes and macrophages.
Vitamin B in banana: Importance for human health

Banana: Fruit Rich With Vitamin B

Bananas are a healthful addition to a balanced diet and also used in special diets where ease of digestibility, low fat, minerals and vitamins are required. Normally, these types of special preparation food are used for babies, the elderly and patients with stomach problems, gout, and arthritis.

Bananas are identified as relatively rich in pyridoxine (vit. B6). Bananas contain 35% of recommended daily intake of B6, necessary for producing antibodies and red blood cells as well as aiding in the metabolism of fat.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, 2007, there is some evidence that pyridoxine protects against cancer of the esophagus. By eating bananas, it also helps to increase focus and mental acuity. Furthermore, vitamin B6 serves as an immunity booster.

This fruit do not supply much vitamin C or vitamin A, compare to other fruits. On the other hand, banana supply about 15% of RDA for vitamin C, one of the strongest antioxidants.
Banana: Fruit Rich With Vitamin B