The Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

The Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B12

What it does: Vitamin B12 helps regulate the nervous system. It also plays a role in growth and red blood cell formation.

Vitamin B12 is found primarily in meat and dairy products, so strict vegetarians are at risk for a deficiency.

What happens if you don’t get enough: Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to

• anemia and confusion in elderly people.
• The identifiable B12 deficiencies exhibite megaloblastic anemia.
• Psychological problems such as dementia, paranoia, depression, and behavioral problems can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency.

• People with B12 deficiencies often report tingling in their feet and hands

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) helps the body turn food into energy. It can also help the body fight infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need it to help their babies’ brains develop normally.

B6 can be found in fish, poultry, liver, potatoes, and non-citrus fruit.

• Insufficient amounts of B6 can result in anemia as well as skin disorders, such as a rash or cracks around the mouth.
• A lack of B6 also can cause depression, confusion, or a susceptibility to infections.

Vitamins B1 and B2

Vitamin B1 is also called thiamin. Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin. These vitamins also help convert food into energy. Vitamin B1 has neurological benefits, and vitamin B2 helps maintain proper eyesight.

Most people get B1 from breakfast cereals and whole grains. B2 also can be found in whole grains, as well as in milk, eggs, and dark green vegetables.

• Deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B2 generally don’t pose a problem . It can become an issue with alcoholics, however, presenting issues such as confusion and cracks along the sides of the mouth.

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is also called folic acid. Like most B vitamins, it fosters the growth of red blood cells. But it also reduces the risk of birth defects.

Vitamin B9 can be found in many foods, from meats to grains to citrus fruits.

• Without enough B9, a person can develop diarrhea or anemia. Pregnant women with a B9 deficiency could give birth to babies with defects.