B vitamins are a group of eight
essential nutrients that play roles in many organs and bodily systems. Although
they can work together in the body, they also carry out their own unique
functions.
B vitamins are important for making sure the body's cells are
functioning properly. They help the body convert food into energy (metabolism),
create new blood cells, and maintain healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other
body tissues.
There are eight types of B
vitamin, each with their own function:
- thiamin (vitamin B-1)
- riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
- niacin (vitamin B-3)
- pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5)
- vitamin B-6
- biotin (vitamin B-7)
- folate (vitamin B-9)
- vitamin B-12
Together, they are called the
vitamin B complex.
B vitamins often occur together in the same foods. Many people can get
enough B vitamins by eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods.However, those
who struggle to meet their daily needs can use supplements.People may develop B
vitamin deficiencies if they do not get enough of the vitamins from their diet
or supplements. They may also have a deficiency if their body cannot absorb
nutrients properly, or if their body eliminates too much of them due to certain
health conditions or medications.
Thiamin (vitamin B-1)
The heart, liver, kidney, and brain all contain high amounts of thiamin.
The body needs thiamin for:
breaking down sugar (carbohydrate) molecules from food creating certain
neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) producing fatty acids synthesizing certain
hormones
Foods with thiamin
Thiamin is present in:
·
whole grains and fortified bread, cereal, pasta,
and rice
·
pork
·
trout
·
mussels
·
acorn squash
·
legumes, such as black beans and soybeans
·
seeds
·
nuts
Thiamin deficiency is not common in the United States. However, certain
groups of people may not get enough thiamin, including:
·
those with alcohol dependence
·
older adults
·
those with HIV or AIDS
·
those with diabetes
·
those who have heart failure
·
those who have had bariatric surgery
Symptoms of thiamin deficiency
A person with a thiamin deficiency may experience:
·
weight loss
·
little or no appetite
·
memory problems or confusion
·
heart problems
·
tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
·
loss of muscle mass
·
poor reflexes
Riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
Riboflavin is essential for:
·
energy production
·
helping the body break down fats, drugs, and
steroid hormones
·
converting tryptophan into niacin (vitamin B-3)
·
converting vitamin B-6 into a coenzyme that the
body needs
Foods with riboflavin
Foods rich in riboflavin include:
·
organ meats
·
fortified breakfast cereals
·
oatmeal
·
yogurt and milk
·
mushrooms
·
almonds
Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency
Riboflavin deficiency is rare but may occur when a person has an
endocrine disorder, such as thyroid problems, or certain other conditions. A
person who is deficient in riboflavin may experience:
·
skin disorders
·
sores at the corners of the mouth
·
swelling of the mouth and throat
·
swollen, cracked lips
·
hair loss
·
red, itchy eyes
Having a severe riboflavin deficiency can lead to anemia and cataracts.
Being riboflavin deficient during pregnancy can create a higher risk certain
birth defects.
People at highest risk of riboflavin deficiency include:
·
those following a vegan diet or who do not consume
dairy products
·
athletes who do not eat meat, especially those who
also do not eat dairy or other animal products
·
women who are pregnant or lactating, especially
those who do not consume meat or dairy products
Niacin (vitamin B-3)
The body converts niacin into a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is a necessary part of more than 400 different enzyme
reactions in the body, the highest of all vitamin-derived coenzymes. These
enzymes help with:
·
changing the energy in carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins into a form the body can use
·
metabolic processes in the body's cells
·
communication among cells
·
expression of DNA in cells
Foods with niacin
Animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, and fish are high in NAD,
which the body can easily use.
Plant-based foods including nuts, legumes, and grains contain a natural
form of niacin that the body cannot use as easily. However, manufacturers add
niacin to foods such as cereals, and the body can easily use this form.
Symptoms of niacin deficiency
Getting too little niacin can cause a niacin deficiency. Severe
niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, which may cause:
·
brown discoloration on skin exposed to sunlight
·
patches of skin with a rough appearance
·
a bright red tongue
·
vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
·
headache
·
fatigue
·
depression
If pellagra goes untreated, it can lead to severe memory problems,
behavioral changes, and suicidal behavior. It may also lead to an extreme loss
of appetite or death.
People at risk of niacin deficiency include those who have:
·
malnutrition
·
anorexia nervosa
·
alcohol use disorder
·
AIDS
·
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
·
Hartnup disease
·
carcinoid syndrome, which causes tumors to develop
in the gastrointestinal tract
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5)
Pantothenic acid is necessary for the body to create new coenzymes,
proteins, and fats.
Red blood cells carry pantothenic acid throughout the body so it can use
the nutrient in a variety of processes for energy and metabolism.
Foods with pantothenic acid
Many foods contain at least some pantothenic acid, but some of the
highest amounts are present in:
·
beef liver
·
shiitake mushrooms
·
sunflower seeds
·
chicken
·
tuna
·
avocados
·
fortified breakfast cereals
Symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency
Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare in the U.S. because it is plentiful
in many foods. However, it may affect people with severe malnutrition. In such
cases, they are usually deficient in other nutrients as well.
Symptoms of deficiency include:
·
numbness and burning of the hands and feet
·
headache
·
irritability
·
restlessness and poor sleep
·
a lack of appetite
People with a specific gene mutation called pantothenate
kinase-associated neurodegeneration 2 mutation are at a high risk of
deficiency.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, plays a role in more than 100 enzyme
reactions. The body needs vitamin B-6 for:
·
amino acid metabolism
·
breaking down carbohydrates and fats
·
brain development
·
immune function
Foods with vitamin B-6
The richest sources of vitamin B-6 include:
·
organ meats
·
chickpeas
·
tuna
·
salmon
·
poultry
·
potatoes
·
fortified cereals
Symptoms of vitamin B-6 deficiency
Many deficiencies in vitamin B-6 are linked to low levels of vitamin
B-12, according to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) Office of Dietry Supplements.
Vitamin B-6 deficiency may cause:
·
anemia
·
scaling on the lips
·
cracks at corners of the mouth
·
swollen tongue
·
weakened immune system
·
confusion
·
depression
People at risk of a vitamin B-6 deficiency include those who have:
·
renal (kidney) disease
·
had a kidney transplant
·
celiac disease
·
Crrohn`s disease
·
ulcerative colitis
·
autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid
arthritis
·
alcohol dependence
Biotin (vitamin B-7)
Manufacturers add biotin to many hair, skin, and nail supplements.
However, the NIH state that there is not sufficient evidence to
conclude whether taking extra biotin helps with hair, skin, or nails.
Some people believe that biotin may help with psoriasis.
The human body needs biotin for:
·
breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and protein
·
communication among cells in the body
·
regulation of DNA
Foods with biotin
Many foods contain biotin, including:
·
organ meats
·
eggs
·
salmon
·
pork
·
beef
·
sunflower seeds
Symptoms of biotin deficiency
Signs of a biotin deficiency include:
·
thinning of the hair
·
a scaly rash around eyes, nose, and mouth
·
brittle nails
·
depression
·
fatigue
Deficiency is rare in the U.S., but the following groups may be more at
risk:
·
people with a metabolic disorder called biotinidase
deficiency
·
people with alcohol use disorder
·
women who are pregnant or lactating
Folate (vitamin B-9)
The natural form of vitamin B-9 is called folate. Folic acid, which
is present in fortified foods and some supplements, is a synthetic form of the
vitamin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that
all women of reproductive age who wish to conceive take 400 mcg of folic acid
each day, alongside eating a varied diet that contains folate. When a woman
takes this supplement both before and during pregnancy, the fetus has a lower
risk of certain birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Folate is also essential for:
·
DNA replication
·
metabolism of vitamins
·
metabolism of amino acids
·
proper cell division
Foods with folate
The FDA require manufacturers to add folic acid to
standardized enriched grain products to help reduce the risk of neural tube
defects. People can get folic acid from fortified breads and cereals.
Natural folate occurs in:
·
dark green leafy vegetables
·
beef liver
·
avocado
·
papaya
·
orange juice
·
eggs
·
beans
·
nuts
Symptoms of folate deficiency
The addition of folic acid to grain products has made folate deficiency
uncommon. However, the possible symptoms of a folate deficiency may include:
·
weakness
·
headache
·
heart palpitations
·
irritability
·
sores on the tongue or in the mouth
·
skin, hair, or nail changes
The FDA recommend that women take folic acid or folate supplements
every day for at least a month before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy.
Other groups who may need extra folate include people who have:
·
alcohol use disorder
·
celiac disease
·
conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption
People should not take more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid each day.
Taking more than this can mask symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. This
can cause permanent nerve damage.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 contains the mineral cobalt and is sometimes called a
"cobalamin." The body uses vitamin B-12 for:
·
creating new red blood cells
·
DNA synthesis
·
brain and neurological function
·
fat and protein metabolism
Foods with vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 occurs naturally in animal products such as:
·
clams
·
beef liver
·
salmon
·
beef
·
milk and yogurt
People who do not eat animal products may need to get vitamin B-12 from
supplements or fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast.
Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency
Vitamin B-12 deficiency usually causes a condition called megaloblastic
anemia. Symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency can include:
·
fatigue
·
weight loss
·
constipation
·
loss of appetite
·
numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
·
memory problems
·
depression
·
People who are at risk of a B-12 deficiency include
those who have:
·
conditions that interfere with absorption of
nutrients
·
older adults
·
celiac disease
·
Crohn`s disease
·
had gastric bypass surgery or surgery on the stomach
·
Vegetarians, vegans, and people who are pregnant or
lactating may also need extra vitamin B-12.
Most multivitamin supplements contain some of each B vitamin, and many
provide 100% or more of a person's daily needs for each vitamin.
People can buy B vitamins as individual supplements if they are
deficient in only one type. However, some evidence suggests that a
full B-complex vitamin supplement may be a better choice, even if a person has
just one deficiency.
The researchers state that most people have deficiencies and would
benefit from a high-dose B-complex supplement.
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