What role do B vitamins play in the body?

B vitamins play a crucial role in the body's metabolism by acting as coenzymes in the energy production process. They are essential for converting the macronutrients—fats, carbohydrates, and proteins—into usable forms of energy. Each B vitamin has a specific function, but collectively they contribute significantly to the enzymatic reactions that release energy from the food we consume.

For example, vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine) are integral in various metabolic pathways that break down these macronutrients. Without adequate B vitamins, the body would struggle to efficiently use the energy available from the food, leading to fatigue and various metabolic complications.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary function of B vitamins. While healing wounds and producing collagen are important physiological processes, they are more closely associated with other nutrients, such as vitamin C for collagen synthesis and proteins for wound healing. Therefore, the role of B vitamins in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins stands out as their defining contribution within the context of energy production and overall metabolism.