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In the previous article, we’ve described what B vitamins are, the eight types, their functions and food sources. In this article, let’s proceed to talk about the common symptoms associated with a deficiency in each of the eight B-group vitamins.

B vitamins are essential for maintaining cell health and keeping you energized, and you must keep taking them in adequate amount since they are water-soluble and are not stored in the body. This means excess amount is given out through urine, and you have to load up on these vitamins daily to stay healthy.

Some foods are high in several B vitamins, while certain foods are particularly high in a specific B vitamin.

However, eating a balanced diet is key to getting all these vitamins, at least in amounts that your body needs.

How much of B vitamins should you be taking?

The recommended daily intakes are:

• Vitamin B1: 1-1 – 1.2 mg
• Vitamin B2: 1.1 -1.3 mg
• Vitamin B3: 14 -16 mg
• Vitamin B5: 5 mg
• Vitamin  B6: 1.3 mg
• Vitamin B7: 30 mcg
• Vitamin B9: 400 mcg
• Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg

A normal healthy and balanced diet should supply you with all these vitamins in adequate amounts, but some common symptoms are associated with a deficiency in any of these vitamins. However, if you have a deficiency, it is something that must be determined by your doctor.

But unfortunately, some of us suffer vitamin B deficiencies. The high-risk group includes pregnant women, people with certain conditions such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and HIV.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency vary based on the particular B vitamin you’re deficient in.

Here’s a quick rundown of the symptoms of deficiency of each B vitamin

Vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 deficiency is very rare because many foods including whole-grain cereals and milk are fortified with these vitamins.

Vitamin B3 deficiency is also very rare but severe deficiency of this vitamin can result in a condition known as “pellagra,” which is characterized by symptoms such as:

• a bright red tongue
• a rough skin that turns red or brown in the sun
• constipation and diarrhea
• vomiting
• aggressive, paranoid, or suicidal behavior
• fatigue
• hallucinations

Vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare because it is found in such a variety of foods, including kidneys, milk, egg, meats, legumes, and many more.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is also rare, but people women on contraceptive pills, people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, people with thyroid disease and the elderly are more at risk.

Vitamin B7 is required in very small amounts and it is widely distributed in foods, so its deficiency is very rare. However, over-consumption of raw egg whites for several months can induce deficiency. This is because a protein in egg white inhibits the absorption of biotin. Bodybuilders should keep this in mind.

Vitamin B9 deficiency is also very rare, but low levels of this vitamin can result in the following:

• trouble concentrating
• fatigue
• megaloblastic anemia, which cause weakness
• heart palpitations
• shortness of breath
• headache
• irritability
• change in hair, skin, or fingernail color
• open sores in the mouth

Pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin B9 or folate could end up having babies born with neural tube defects.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to disruption in the circulatory and nervous system. Also, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of large abnormally shaped red blood cells by the bone marrow. The red blood cells do not function properly.

Some common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency includes:

• weakness
• tiredness or fatigue
• confusion
• weight loss
• constipation
• poor memory
• soreness of the mouth
• balance problems
• loss of appetite

If you suspect you might be deficient in a B vitamin, you can contact your doctor for physical examination and blood testing.

To prevent a deficiency in the B vitamins, however, you should always eat a varied diet of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and grains. This way, you’ll be getting all the nutrients you need.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office in Elizabeth City NC, to learn more about symptoms of deficiency to watch out for and good food options to include in your diet to get adequate amount of B vitamins.