vitamin B deficiency?

 

What is vitamin B deficiency?

Vitamin B deficiency happens when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B. This happens if you don’t eat food with vitamin B or because of a health condition. Your body needs a certain amount of each type of vitamin B to function well. The different types of vitamin B are all water-soluble (dissolves in water), which means that they cannot be stored in the body and must be consumed regularly to avoid deficiency.

Every day, the average adult needs:

• 1.1-1.2mg of thiamine (B1)
• 1.1-1.6mg of riboflavin (B2)
• 14-16mg of niacin (B3)
• 4-6mg of pantothenic acid (B5)
• 1.3-1.7mg of pyridoxine (B6)
• 25-30µg (micrograms) of biotin (B7)
• 400µg of folate (B9)
• 2.4µg of cyanocobalamin (B12)

Causes vitamin B deficiency?, 

Vitamin deficiency anemia can occur if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.

Vitamin B-12 deficiencies

Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by:

·         Diet. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs and milk, so people who don't eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements. Some foods have been fortified with B-12, including some breakfast cereals and some nutritional yeast products.

·         Pernicious anemia. This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the stomach that produce a substance called intrinsic factor. Without this substance, B-12 can't be absorbed in the intestines.

·         Gastric surgeries. If portions of your stomach or intestines have been surgically removed, that can reduce the amount of intrinsic factor produced and the amount of space available for vitamin B-12 to be absorbed.

·         Intestinal problems. Crohn's disease and celiac disease can interfere with absorption of vitamin B-12, as can tapeworms that may be ingested from eating contaminated fish.

Folate deficiencies

Also known as vitamin B-9, folate is a nutrient found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables and liver. A folate deficiency can occur when people don't eat foods containing folate or their bodies are unable to absorb folate from food.

Absorption problems may be caused by:

·         Intestinal diseases such as celiac disease

·         Surgical removal or bypass of a large part of the intestines

·         Excessive alcohol consumption

·         Prescription drugs, such as some anti-seizure medications

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have an increased demand for folate, as do people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease.

A lack of folate can cause birth defects during pregnancy. However, folate deficiency is less common now in countries that routinely add folate to food products such as breads, cereals and pasta.

Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiencies

·         There are eight types of vitamin B. The symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency vary depending on which B vitamin you’re deficient in, and may include fatigue, skin rash, or confusion. If you suspect a vitamin B deficiency, speak to a doctor.

·         The B vitamins are a group of eight nutrients, each with unique roles in keeping the body healthy. They’re especially important for maintaining cell health and keeping you energized.

·         The symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency vary depending on which B vitamin you’re deficient in.

·         Some foods are high in several B vitamins, and certain foods are particularly high in specific B vitamins. Eating a balanced diet is key to getting all nutrients your body needs.

·         This article provides a rundown of the most common types of vitamin B, including why you need them, their deficiency symptoms, and which foods contain them.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to disruption in the nervous system and the circulatory system.

Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to megaloblastic anemia a condition where the bone marrow produces large abnormally shaped red blood cells that do not function properly.

Dementia, paranoia, depression, and behavioral changes can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency. Neurological damage sometimes cannot be reversed.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:

• tiredness or fatigue
• Weakness
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• balance problems
• confusion
• poor memory
• soreness of the mouth or tongue

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency

Insufficient amounts of B6 can result in anemia as well as skin disorders, such as an itchy rash or cracks around the mouth.

A lack of B6 can also cause:

• depression
• confusion
• nausea
• anemia
• susceptibility to infections
• skin rashes or dermatitis  

Symptoms of vitamin B1 or B2 deficiency

This is due to the fact that many foods, such as milk and whole-grain cereals, are fortified with these vitamins.

It can become an issue with people who misuse alcohol, however, presenting symptoms such as confusion and cracks along the sides of the mouth.

Symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency

A lack of niacin can cause digestive issues, such as nausea and abdominal cramps. Severe deficiency may also cause mental confusion.

Severe deficiency can result in a condition called pellagra, with symptoms such as:

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

Symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency

Vitamin B9 deficiency is  rare in the United States, but it does occur.

Low levels of vitamin B9 can result in the following symptoms:

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

Pregnant women with a folate deficiency could result in their babies being born with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. 

Excessive supplemental folic acid during pregnancy, however, may also   lead to a baby developing neurological problems.

 

Treatment of vitamin B deficiencies

Vitamin B supplements may help treat vitamin deficiencies. However, it is best to check with your doctor before starting any new diet or taking any vitamin supplement.

If the problem is in absorbing the vitamins, an injection may be needed instead. This is often the case with B12 deficiency in people who have problems absorbing it through the gut.

For many people, B vitamin deficiencies can be corrected by consuming food rich in B vitamins. This is more of a challenge for vegans and vegetarians who do not eat animal products. Following a diet that includes all the vitamins you need is crucial.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with vitamin B12. It is often treated with cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of vitamin B12. Depending on the cause of the deficiency, the person may only have to be treated until their vitamin B12 levels are back to normal, or they may have to take vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of their life. Options for vitamin B12 treatment include:

• Vitamin B12 oral medication.
• Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections (a shot that goes into the muscle).
• Vitamin B12 nasal gel.
• Vitamin B12 nasal spray.