A spread of Vegemite (5g) on a slice of bread will provide the following percentages of daily vitamin needs:
Daily Intake (RDI) Per 5g Per 100g, is as follows. Thiamine: 50% 11.0mg
Niacin: 25% 50.0mg
Riboflavin: 25% 8.6mg
Folate: 50%** 2000 µg
**Recommended Dietary Intake for adults is 200µg or for women of child bearing age, 400µg. It is important to maintain a varied diet
Thiamine (B1) plays an essential role in converting carbohydrates to energy, as well as being important for growth and normal functioning of the nervous system and heart.
Riboflavin (B2) is also important for the release of energy from foods, in particular protein metabolism. Riboflavin is essential for the development and repair of tissues, including the skin and eyes and is necessary for growth.
Niacin (B3) is necessary for normal energy metabolism.
Folate Folate is another B group vitamin with several important functions. Folate is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the production of enzymes and other body proteins. A deficiency in folate results in a type of anaemia, which can cause weakness, tiredness, diarrhoea and weight loss. In babies and young children growth may be affected. Folate also plays a vital role in the growth of a developing embryo. Research has revealed that the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect can be reduced up to 70% if women increase their intake of folate.
No Fat & Low in Kilojoules. Vegemite is fat free and low in kilojoules, supplying only 38kj per teaspoon.
(Looks and tastes like salty axle grease, but aussies love it.)