Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms in Adults

Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, but a group of eight water soluble vitamins, which are crucial for metabolism, cell growth, development and reproduction. These vitamins play a very important role in maintaining the health of various body systems including, the nervous, digestive and the immune system. The eight B vitamins are known as vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, vitamin B7 or biotin, vitamin B9 or folic acid and vitamin B12 or cobalamine. Deficiency of these eight vitamins can impair the normal functioning of the various life processes, and lead to a number of health problems. Deficiency of each B vitamin produces some specific signs and symptoms, which can help to detect the condition.

Deficiency Signs

As has been mentioned already, there are eight B vitamins, deficiency of which can produce a number of signs and symptoms. The deficiency symptoms of each B vitamin can differ to an extent, as each B vitamin is concerned with some specific functions inside the human body.

Vitamin B1
Thiamine is a B vitamin that is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is required for energy production and for the regulation of metabolism. Deficiency of this B vitamin can cause the disease beriberi. The most common thiamine deficiency symptoms are, loss of appetite, digestive issues, constipation, muscle weakness, depression, slow heartbeat, irritability, insomnia and nervous exhaustion.

Vitamin B2
Ribloflavin deficiency usually manifests in eye related problems such as, tearing, itching or a burning sensation in the eyes, bloodshot eyes, and increased sensitivity to light. Apart from the eyes, its deficiency can affect the skin and cause peeling of the skin, especially around the nose. The skin around the mouth can crack, while soreness around the lips and tongue can be experienced due to vitamin B2 deficiency. Other symptoms include, dull hair, oily skin, appearance of wrinkles and cataracts. It is mainly required for energy production, healthy vision, health of the mucous membrane and the proper growth of red blood cells.

Vitamin B3
Niacin or vitamin B3 facilitates the conversion of food into energy and helps to maintain the health of the skin, nerves and the digestive system. Tiredness, forgetfulness, loss of appetite, skin lesions, digestive problems, muscular weakness and headaches are some of the common symptoms of niacin deficiency. Severe deficiency can lead to the disease, known as 'Pellagra', which causes skin lesions, gastrointestinal problems, dermatitis and inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Vitamin B5
Its deficiency can produce several symptoms like, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, numbness and tingling sensation in the extremities of the body, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and listlessness. It is mainly concerned with the production of energy from carbohydrates and fats, and the formation of fats and several hormones.

Vitamin B6
It takes part in some vital functions like, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and formation of red blood cells. It also helps to maintain the health of the immune and the nervous system. Its deficiency symptoms include, skin disorders, fatigue, anemia, malaise, nervousness, insomnia, irritability and convulsions and seizures (in severe cases).

Vitamin B7
Biotin is essential for the health and growth of hair and so, its deficiency often leads to a deterioration in the condition of hair. Hair loss, change in hair texture, dry, coarse and dull hair are the most common symptoms of the deficiency of this B vitamin. Dry skin, eczema, dandruff and the development of scaly patches on the skin can be some other symptoms of low level of biotin or vitamin B7 in the body.

Vitamin B9
It is mainly known for its role in the formation of red blood cells and DNA. Folic acid deficiency can manifest in weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, sore tongue, palpitations, irritability and anemia. Deficiency during pregnancy can cause birth defects, neural tube defects and premature birth.

Vitamin B12
Considered as one of the most important B vitamins, it is crucial for the formation of red blood cells. It ensures proper utilization of folic acid, and along with folic acid it facilitates the formation of nerve cells. Deficiency of this vital vitamin can cause excessive tiredness or fatigue and poor concentration and memory. Other deficiency symptoms can include, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, numbness and tingling in the extremities of the body, loss of appetite, anemia and many other health problems.

Many of these deficiency problems can be caused by certain other conditions as well. Therefore, before coming to any conclusion, or taking any vitamin supplements, it is better to get these symptoms medically evaluated. Even if these problems are found to be caused by deficiency of B vitamin, it is advisable to take the vitamin B complex supplements only after consulting a health care provider. For mild vitamin deficiency, it is better to rely on foods like, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins.