Here are some signs of vitamin B deficiency that shouldn’t ignore

Vitamin B is extremely important to stay healthy but if you’re deficient in it, it can cause multiple illnesses that you need to be aware of.
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Vitamin B is extremely important to manage stress levels. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Grace Bains Published: 28 Apr 2021, 14:44 pm IST
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You’ve probably heard of vitamin B and how important it is. Most people, however, don’t realize the exact reasons behind this vitamin’s importance. For that, we’ll have to first figure out what vitamin B is!

Basically, the term ‘vitamin B’ refers to a group of vitamins, each of which has a very particular role to play when it comes to our health. From the blood to our metabolism, our bodily functions require vitamin B for proper functioning. Needless to say, a deficiency in it can cause multiple health problems. It is also important to note that the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency depend on which particular vitamin you’re lacking.

Here are the signs and symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency:

1. Vitamin B12

Known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 plays a key role in red blood cell formation and the functioning of the nervous system. Hence, being deficient in it won’t just have an impact on your physical health but can also lead to deterioration in your mental health. Some of the prominent signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

  • Fatigue, in spite of sleeping for 8 hours every night
  • Forgetfulness
  • Constipation
  • Reduced appetite
  • Depression
  • Constant feeling of weakness
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Sore tongue
  • Balance problems
  • Experiencing a tingling feeling in your hands and feet
vitamin B deficiency
Don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin B12. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Vitamin B6

Termed as pyridoxine, your body requires vitamin B6 to maintain a strong immune system and also to convert food into energy. Problems that can be caused by a vitamin B6 deficiency are:

  • Skin infections
  • Increased instance of infections
  • Anemia
  • Depression
3. Vitamin B1

It is known as thiamin and is needed by the body for neurological development. A severe deficiency of the vitamin is called beriberi. Generally, a deficiency of vitamin B1 is known to cause:

vitamin B deficiency
Staying tired all the time signals vitamin deficiency. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
  • Reduced reflexes
  • Severe fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Weak muscles
  • Feeling of irritability
  • Memory issues
4. Vitamin B2

Riboflavin is another term used for vitamin B2 which is essential when it comes to maintaining good vision, maintaining mucous membranes and strong immunity. If you lack it, you might experience:

  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • Dry lips
  • Anemia
  • Eyes that are sensitive to light
5. Vitamin B3

Also called niacin, your body needs vitamin B3 for proper digestion, appetite regulation and cell health. A deficiency of the vitamin might cause:

  • Digestion issues
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Vomiting
  • Irritability
vitamin B deficiency
Vitamin B3 could be the saviour against skin cancer. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
6. Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is also known as folate. It is extremely important when it comes to the growth of healthy red blood cells and is particularly important for pregnant women given that it reduces the risk of birth defects. A vitamin B9 deficiency causes:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Anemia
  • Lack of concentration
  • Recurrent headaches
  • Irritability
Foods that are rich in B vitamins 

The good part is that vitamin B is abundantly available through food sources!  In order to ensure that you maintain healthy vitamin B levels, you should consume:

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  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Legumes
  • Green leafy vegetables

So, ladies, make sure you maintain healthy vitamin B levels to ensure you stay healthy!

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About the Author

Grace is someone who likes writing enough to make a living out of it. When she isn’t writing, you will find her having chai and reading a book. ...Read More

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