As is well known, there are eight variants of Vitamin B. Together, these eight types of B vitamins can be referred to as the vitamin B complex.
This B complex vitamin is very important to maintain its needs to ensure the body's cells function properly.
Summarizing Medical News Today, B vitamins are generally needed by the body for the following purposes:
-Making new blood cells
the body's metabolism
-Maintaining cell health
Many people can get enough B vitamins by eating various nutrient-dense foods. However, due to various factors, some groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly, may be more at risk of developing vitamin B deficiency than most people.
Some people with certain diseases or conditions such as celiac disease, HIV, Crohn's, and alcohol drinkers will experience a deficiency of vitamin B because their bodies cannot absorb it effectively.
Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency
Each person's symptoms of vitamin B deficiency can vary, depending on which B vitamins are deficient. Summarizing from HealthLine, the symptoms of B vitamin deficiency that can occur range from fatigue and confusion to anemia, or symptoms of skin rashes can also occur due to a deficiency of one of the B vitamins or even a compromised immune system.
To treat the deficiency of B vitamins, doctors usually recommend that patients take vitamin B supplements or increase the intake of certain foods rich in the types of B vitamins needed.
Below are various symptoms of vitamin B deficiency that can occur according to the type of vitamin B that is not sufficient:
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin A that exist in Vegetables, and Fruits
Lack of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is needed by the body to help regulate the nervous system. This vitamin also plays an important role in the growth and formation of red blood cells. Lack of vitamin B12 will cause disturbances in the nervous system and circulatory systems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to psychological conditions such as dementia, depression, and behavioral changes. In addition, the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause neurological damage that is sometimes irreversible. Other effects Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a body condition in which the bone marrow produces large red blood cells that are abnormally shaped and do not function properly.
The following are some of the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency to look out for:
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Natural numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Poor
- Balance problems -Confusion
- Pain or pain in the mouth or feet, tongue
- Fatigue or fatigue
Lack of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed by the body to help convert food into energy. Vitamin B6 can also assist the body in fighting infection by boosting the immune system. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women need this vitamin to help their baby's brain develop normally.
Insufficient vitamin B6 in the body can cause anemia and skin disorders, such as itchy rashes or cracks around the mouth. Vitamin B6 deficiency can also cause the following conditions:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Anemia
- Susceptibility to infection
- Skin rash or dermatitis
See Also: This Vitamin Can Increase The Body's Immune System.
Lack of vitamin B1 and vitamin B2
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are needed by the body to help convert food into energy. In addition, vitamin B1 has neurological benefits, and vitamin B2 can help maintain good vision.
Both vitamin B1 deficiency and vitamin B2 deficiency are rare today. This is because many foods, such as milk and whole grain cereals fortified with this vitamin, are now widely available in the market.
Vitamin B1 and B2 deficiency can be a problem in people who abuse alcohol. However, deficiency of these B vitamins can present symptoms such as confusion and cracks along the sides of the mouth.
Lack of vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is also needed by the body to help convert food into energy. This vitamin also functions to aid in good digestion and a healthy appetite and is important for cell development. However, vitamin B3 deficiency can cause digestive problems, such as nausea and stomach cramps.
A severe deficiency can also cause mental confusion. A severe deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, with symptoms such as:
- Skin feels rough and turns red or brown when in the sun
- Bright red tongue
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Aggressive, paranoid
- behavior
- Hallucinations
See also: Vitamin C and Its Health Benefits, Don't Miss It.
Vitamin B9 deficiency
It should be noted that Vitamin B9 (folate) is a type of B vitamin that is naturally available in food. While folic acid is synthetic, it is often found in fortified and processed foods. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B9 is needed by the body to help the growth of red blood cells.
Vitamin B9 also reduces the risk of congenital disabilities when pregnant women consume it. Vitamin B9 deficiency can cause some of the following symptoms:
- Megaloblastic anemia, which causes weakness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Open sores in the mouth
- Discoloration of the skin, hair, or nails
Deficiency This vitamin B9 should not be left alone. Pregnant women with vitamin B9 deficiency can cause their babies to be born with neural tube defects.
Also Read: Vitamin A deficiency and excess vitamin A can be harmful to health.
However, it should also be remembered that excessive Vitamin B9 supplements during pregnancy can cause the baby to have neurological problems.