It is a component of lecithin, which facilitates the movement of fat from the liver and into cells, and it must be present before vitamin A can be stored. It is manufactured in the body from dietary phosphatides as found in lecithin. Folic acid functions along with vitamins B-12 and C in the utilization of proteins. It has an essential role in the formation of heme, the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Some folic acid is produced by the intestinal bacteria.
Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.
Inositol is usually considered part of the vitamin B complex. It is thought that, along with choline, inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body. Niacin, also available in the form of niacinamide, is a coenzyme that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Niacin is essential for the health of the skin, tongue and digestive system. The disease, pellagra, is a result of a niacin deficiency.