Vitamin B ~ Benefits and consequences of a deficiency

There are six different B vitamins, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), and last but not least, B12 (Cobalamin). They each have their own role in your health while also all working together in different teams for different bodily functions. For example riboflavin (B2) is used by the body in two separate enzymes to help produce other chemicals that help produce energy, while pyridoxine (B6) is used to make proteins used in the body as well as components in the nervous system. All of the B vitamins can be found in food, B12 (cobalamin) can be found in animal products which is why people who decide to follow a vegan diet must supplement this very important vitamin.

Deficiencies in any or all of the B vitamins can be detrimental to health at various degrees of severity. A deficiency in vitamin B3 (niacin) can cause pellagra which has symptoms of dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia otherwise known as the three D's of pellagra. The person has dry, cracked and possibly scaly skin, the mucus lining of the intestines isn't constructed properly causing diarrhea, and the person is confused because brain function is impaired. A deficiency in B1 (thiamine) is rare but can be caused by some medications such as diuretics, also, alcoholics tend to be deficient as well. A few symptoms of a deficiency of B1 are depression, fatigue, and constipation. 

Having said all that, there is no need to go out and buy a B supplement. A good look at your diet is the first step in ensuring a proper level of vitamin B in your body. If you have digestive issues, you could simply not absorb some of the vitamins and minerals that you are consuming. This again would require a dietary review and possible change in what's being consumed.