Many diseases have roots in a vitamin deficiency. A common example of this is Scurvy that once plagued sailors. The disease was caused by a deficit of Vitamin C. Thousands of men died from Scurvy before someone discovered that the disease could be cured easily by consuming foods containing Vitamin C.
What many people don’t realize is that there are still diseases today that are caused by improper diet. This is typically more common in countries where diets don’t include enough variety. Poorer countries report higher cases of nutrition related diseases, but the number is rising in affluent nations, too. The diets of people on the run are often filled with boxed, microwavable, and fast food. This can contribute to nutritional deficiencies even in people who have plenty to eat.
The Vitamin B family, in particular, is easily depleted in the body. It’s a water-soluble vitamin, so it is used quickly, and must be renewed regularly, either through food or through vitamin supplements.
There are 8 micronutrients in the Vitamin B family. They each have their own function, but they work best when taken together. Following is a description of the 8, including their functions and possible signs of deficiencies.
Vitamin B1 is referred to as thiamine. It helps lift your outlook on life, supports your heart, and assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Deficiencies in Vitamin B1 can cause emotional problems, reduced sensory perception, weight loss, weakness and pain in the extremities, swelling, and irregular pulse. Advanced cases can produce beriberi, permanent psychosis, or heart failure.
Vitamin B2 is referred to as riboflavin. This micronutrient supports cellular processes, like metabolism of foods and production of red blood cells. A lack of Vitamin B2 in the body can be characterized by cracks in the corners of the mouth, a sore tongue or mouth, swelling of the mucous membranes, or scaly patches of skin on the scalp. Recent studies suggest that riboflavin also helps in preventing cataracts and migraines.
Niacin, or Vitamin B3, assists in the release of energy from nutrients. This vitamin also supports healthy skin, nerves, and digestive tract. Signals of a niacin deficiency include digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, confusion, or diarrhea. In later stages, deficiency can lead to dementia, pellagra, or death.
Vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 assists with a healthy nervous system, and also aids in metabolism. Signs of a lack of Vitamin B5 may be acne and a prickling of the skin in the extremeties.
Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxene. Vitamin B6 aids in the production of red blood cells, supports an intact immune system, and helps maintain normal nerve function. Deficiencies in pyridoxene present as cracks in the corners of the mouth, skin rashes, water retention and elevated blood pressure.
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. Biotin supports healthy hair and nails, and helps release energy from carbohydrates. Signs of a Vitamin B7 lack include dry skin, scaly patches on the scalp, fungal infections, brittle hair, hair loss, depression, muscle aches, digestive disorders.
Vitamin B9 is called folic acid. It aids in the formation of hemoglobin, and is vitally important for expectant mothers. A deficiency of folic acid in an expectant mother could cause birth defects in her baby. Indications of Vitamin B9 deficiency may be anemia, irritability, trouble breathing, fatigue, weight loss, menstrual problems, or leg ulcers.
Vitamin B12 is called cobalamin. It’s necessary for a healthy nervous system and the production of red blood cells. Deficiency can produce anemia, poor memory, and numbness in the extremities. Severe cases can cause psychosis or paralysis.
To learn more about vitamin deficiencies, visit Vitamins A to K.
Note: You should consult a doctor before taking any medical advice.
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