From aiding eyesight and digestion to helping the body fight infection, there are lots of reasons to ensure your body is getting enough vitamin B.
Overview
Why do I need vitamin B?
The various types of vitamin B perform a range of functions, including helping your body turn food into energy, and creating red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency?
They range widely, from anaemia to irritability, or lip or mouth sores to tingling sensations in hands and feet.
How do I get vitamin B?
You will find the various types of vitamin B in lots of everyday foods, from leafy green veg to fish, chicken and whole grains.
How do I know if I am vitamin B deficient?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Did You Know?
Your body does not store vitamin B, so a day spent ‘loading up’ on vitamin B-rich foods will not set you up for the week. You need to replenish it daily.
What does vitamin B do?
Vitamins help your body’s organs and cells do their job, help fight infection by boosting the immune system and help the body grow and develop normally.
There are numerous types of vitamin B and they all perform a slightly different role in the body:
Vitamins B1 and B2: Otherwise known as thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2), both vitamins help your body turn food into the energy it needs. Additionally, B1 has been shown to benefit neurological systems, while B2 benefits eyesight.
Vitamin B3: Also known as niacin, this aids appetite and digestion, as well as supporting the body’s conversion of food into energy.
Vitamin B6: Helps the body fight infection and turn food into energy. Vitamin B9: Also known as folic acid, B9 encourages red blood cell growth, and is a common supplement during pregnancy where it can help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Vitamin B12: Helps your body form red blood cells, and helps regulate the nervous system.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency?
Specific symptoms of vitamin B deficiency vary depending on the type(s) of vitamin B involved, but in general, common symptoms may include:
- Anaemia (looking pale, feeling tired and fatigued, breathless)
- An unexplained rash
- Tingling or a burning sensation in the hands or feet
- Lip or mouth sores, or cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Swollen tongue
- Irritability or depression
- Memory problems
How do I test for – and treat – vitamin B deficiency?
Better2Know’s vitamin B testing will help you understand the levels of each type of vitamin B within your body. We test for:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9 (red cell)
- Vitamin B12 (Active)
Usually, the simplest and most effective way of treating any deficiency is through diet. Chicken is rich in vitamins B3 and B6. Tuna and salmon are prime sources of vitamins B3, B9 and B12. Whole grains are good sources of B1, B2 and B6, as is spinach, which also contains vitamin B9.
Occasionally, the body has difficulty absorbing vitamins, so if your symptoms do not respond to a change in diet, see your GP.
To get tested and find out what is causing your ill health, please contact Better2Know on the number above.