Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Found in cereals (rice, wheat, maida, rava, poha, etc.) breads, fortified cereals and pasta, pulses or lentils (dals such as moong dal, masoor dal, chana dal etc), legumes (whole pulses such as whole moong, channa, chowli, rajmah), dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus etc. soy foods, whole grains like wheat germ, fish, egg, milk, meat, pork ham etc, nuts such as almonds and pecans.
- Some of the best sources of riboflavin are chicken, fish, eggs, legumes (like peas and lentils), milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese, nuts, green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and fortified cereals also supply significant amounts of riboflavin to the diet.
- It is found in chicken, salmon and in fishes like canned tuna - they are an excellent source of niacin. Vegetarians can get their source of niacin from legumes, pasta and whole wheat.
- Foods like potatoes, beans, red meat, poultry, eggs and fortified cereals contain are very high in vitamin B6.
- To remember which foods are high in folate, remember that the word folate has the same root as the word foliage. Leafy greens such as spinach, fenugreek, turnip greens, asparagus, etc and other fresh fruits and vegetables are all excellent sources of folate. Liver, dried beans and other legumes, and orange juice are good sources of this vitamin. So are fortified bread, rice, and cereals.
- Animal foods are the only natural source of vitamin B12. It is found naturally in fish, red meat, poultry, milk, milk products, cheese, and eggs. But, many products, including soy products and cereals, are fortified with B12 so it is widely available in the food supply. Other good natural sources include shellfish, such as clams, mussels and crab, fin fish and beef.
- Liver and egg yolks are the richest dietary sources of biotin, but fortunately this B vitamin is well distributed throughout the food supply, so it is doubtful that anyone eating a balanced, varied diet will experience a deficiency. Salmon, pork and avocado are good sources; most fruits and vegetables contain a little biotin, as do cheeses and grain foods.
- Yogurt and avocado are both excellent sources of pantothenic acid, but it is also available in a wide variety of foods such as legumes including lentils and split peas, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and broccoli.
