Surely You Aren’t Deficient in B Vitamins?
A variety of diseases have roots in a vitamin deficiency. A well known example of this is Scurvy that once seriously affected sailors. It was caused by a lack of Vitamin C. Thousands of men died from Scurvy before someone discovered that the disease could be cured simply by eating foods rich in Vitamin C.
What some people don’t know is that there are still diseases today that are caused by improper diet. This is typically more common in countries where diets are lacking in fresh foods. Poorer countries report higher cases of nutrition related diseases, but the number is rising in affluent nations, too. The diets of people on the run can be filled with processed, convenience, and fast food. This can contribute to nutritional deficiencies even in people who have plenty to eat.
The Vitamin B family, in particular, is easily depleted in the body. Vitamin B is water-soluble, so it can’t be stored by your body for long, and must be renewed daily, either by eating Vitamin B rich food or by taking vitamin supplements.
There are 8 members of the B Vitamin group. Each has its own function, but they work best when taken together. Following is a description of the 8, along with their functions and possible indications of deficiencies.
Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It improves your mood, supports your heart, and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates. A lack of thiamine could cause emotional problems, reduced sensory perception, weight loss, weakness and pain in the arms and legs, swelling, and irregular heartbeat. The worst cases can cause beriberi, permanent psychosis, or heart failure.
Vitamin B2 is called riboflavin. It supports cellular function, like metabolism of foods and production of red blood cells. A deficit of Vitamin B2 in the body can be indicated by cracks in the corners of the mouth, a sore tongue or mouth, swelling of the mucous membranes, or scaly patches of skin on the scalp. There’s growing evidence that riboflavin also plays a role in preventing migraine headaches and cataracts.
Niacin, or Vitamin B3, helps in the release of energy from nutrients. This vitamin also supports healthy skin, nerves, and digestive tract. Signs of a niacin lack include digestive problems, trouble sleeping, fatigue, confusion, or diarrhea. In later stages, deficiency can lead to dementia, pellagra, or death.
Vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 supports a healthy nervous system, and also helps with metabolism. Signs of a lack of pantothenic acid may be acne and a prickling of the skin in the hands and feet.
Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxene. Pyridoxene aids in the production of red blood cells, supports an intact immune system, and helps maintain normal nerve function. Deficiencies in this vitamin show as cracks in the corners of the mouth, skin rashes, water retention and elevated blood pressure.
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. It supports healthy hair and nails, and helps release energy from carbohydrates. Signs of a Vitamin B7 deficit include dry skin, scaly patches on the scalp, fungal infections, brittle hair, hair loss, depression, muscle aches, digestive disorders.
Vitamin B9 is referred to as folic acid. It aids in the formation of hemoglobin, and is vitally important for pregnant women. A deficit of folic acid in an expectant mother can cause birth defects in her baby. Indications of Vitamin B9 deficiency include anemia, irritability, trouble breathing, fatigue, weight loss, menstrual problems, or leg ulcers.
Vitamin B12 is called cobalamin. It’s necessary for a healthy nervous system and the production of red blood cells. A lack can produce anemia, memory loss, and numbness in the extremities. Advanced cases can cause psychosis or paralysis.
For more information about vitamin deficiencies, visit Vitamins A to K.
Note: You should consult a doctor before taking any medical advice.
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