Be aware of Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin B is a group of eight different vitamins. All of these are essential to keep our bodies healthy. B vitamins are often called energy vitamins since they are crucial in producing energy from food. These vitamins activate specific enzymes, which help release the energy trapped in the food that the body can utilize.

B vitamins are important for many bodily functions, e.g. metabolism of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and even cognitive ability. These vitamins have been shown to reduce anxiety, stress and risk of heart problems. To keep our nervous system, digestive tract and skin healthy, we need sufficient vitamin B.

According to Jennifer Teems, a clinical dietitian at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, we can get enough vitamin B from a balanced diet. There are many good sources of vitamin B, many of which are part of our general diet. For example, eggs and milk are rich in certain types of vitamin B.

Meat, like beef and poultry, provides another type. Oysters, salmon, mussels and other seafood also contain different types of B vitamins. Lentils, chickpeas and leafy green vegetables like spinach, bok choy, kale etc., provide ample folate, a type of vitamin B essential for red blood cells.

Doctors suggest that by ensuring our meals contain a combination of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meat, we can fulfil the vitamin B demands of our body.

Still, there are occasions when deficiency could develop. Four main causes have been identified for this: inadequate dietary consumption, some medications (e.g. long-term intake of Omeprazole or other similar drugs) which can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B, gut malabsorption syndrome and alcoholism.

Certain groups are at high risk of vitamin B deficiency. They include women, people from low socio-economic backgrounds and the elderly. Those who identify themselves as vegan or vegetarian may also be at risk since they avoid animal food, the major vitamin B source.

When there is a deficiency, symptoms will depend specifically on which one or more of the eight vitamin D types the body lacks. There may be general features, e.g. weakness, tiredness and confusion, mostly from anaemia. The nervous system has a serious negative impact, especially if the deficiency is left untreated.

This can range from abnormal sensations of tingling, pricking called paresthesias, or a feeling of sharp stabbing pain, sometimes burning, known as peripheral neuropathy. Skin rashes, dryness, and wrinkles are also not uncommon. In the long run, there is a high risk of stroke or cardiac problems. Death is unusual but not completely out of the question, especially if a stroke or heart attack occurs.

If vitamin B deficiency is suspected, the physician will conduct tests to confirm. It is treatable with supplements and a balanced diet. Patients can recover if they follow the doctor's recommendation properly.

Some people can benefit from vitamin B supplements in addition to food. These include the elderly, pregnant women or women of childbearing age. However, talking to the physician before starting any such supplements is advisable.

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