Vitamin B is a group of eight essential nutrients namely Vit B1 (thiamin), Vit B2 (riboflavin), Vit B3 (niacin), Vit B5 (pantothenic acid), Vit B6 (pyridoxine), Vit B7 (biotin), Vit B9 (folate or folic acid) and Vit B12 (cobalamin). Each of these vitamins has a unique role in keeping your body healthy by maintaining your cell health. 

Deficiency of any one or more of these 8 essential nutrients may cause significant health damage. Your body presents several symptoms to warn you of the deficiency, hence it is important to know the symptoms caused by each of the eight vitamin Bs and seek medical help to correct the deficiencies at the earliest. Discussed in this health article are the major Vitamin B deficiency symptoms.

Symptoms of Vit B1 (thiamin) and Vit B2 (riboflavin) deficiency

Thiamin and riboflavin deficiency is extremely rare, however in case of deficiency you may experience mental confusion and cracks around the corners of your mouth.

Symptoms of Vit B3 (niacin) deficiency

Niacin deficiency is also comparatively rare and predominantly causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Severe niacin deficiency may result in a condition called Pellagra. 

  • Pellagra in addition to the gastrointestinal symptoms may also cause:
  • Fatigue
  • Bright red tongue
  • Rough skin that changes to red or burn on exposure to sun
  • Mental confusion and hallucinations
  • Behavioral changes such as paranoia, aggression, or suicidal behavior

Symptoms of Vit B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency

  • Tingling and burning sensation in hands and feet
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Frequent headaches
  • Muscle weakness and cramps
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Symptoms of Vit B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency

Deficiency of pyridoxine mainly causes anemia and skin problems such as itchy skin, rashes, dry and chapped lips with crack around the mouth. Additionally, it may also show other symptoms

  • Depression
  • Mental confusion
  • Frequent infections
  • Dermatitis
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Symptoms of Vit B7 (biotin) deficiency

Vitamin B7, biotin is very essential for proper embryonic development. In cases of biotinidase deficiency, one of the major causes for biotin deficiency, the newborn babies may present with a spectrum of symptoms including:

  • Developmental delay
  • Weak muscles and hypotonia
  • Seizures and period of unconsciousness
  • Lethargy and drowsiness
  • Skin conditions such as eczema and alopecia 
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Speech problems and hearing loss
  • Ataxia
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
  • Susceptibility to fungal infections

In adults biotin deficiency may cause the following symptoms

  • Repeated skin infections
  • Brittle nails
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations and mental confusion
  • Paresthesia
  • Depression

Symptoms of Vit B9 (folate or folic acid) deficiency

Folic acid is yet another essential nutrient for a healthy pregnancy and fetal growth. Folic acid also plays a vital role in growth and maturity of RBCs. Deficiency of folic acid may cause following problems

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Easy irritability
  • Frequent headaches
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mouth sores
  • Fetal developmental disturbances (babies being born with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida)

Symptoms of Vit B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Balance problems
  • Mental confusion and poor memory
  • Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
  • Mouth sores

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