50 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

The B vitamins can be classified as a group of eight nutrients, with each having a unique role in keeping a body healthy. However, there are a number of individuals who suffer from vitamin B deficiency, and there can be a number of causes and symptoms associated with such conditions.

The following piece will help you develop an idea about many other relevant aspects related to vitamin B deficiency here.

Continue scrolling!

Team Digit

Vitamin B Deficiency
How Common is this Deficiency?
Causes and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Best Food Sources
Side Effects
Diseases Caused
Treatment and Duration
Who is at Risk?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitamin B Deficiency?

Vitamin B deficiency is a medical condition where an individual suffering from it shows low levels of this micronutrient in their system. This deficiency is highly prevalent in several developing nations, mainly in areas where the diets of individuals are low in fruits, animal products, vegetables and where cereals are subjected to grinding before being consumed.

As there are eight nutrients in the group of B vitamins, the deficiencies in each of them would result in a different set of health complications for the individual.

How Common is Vitamin B Deficiency?

The lack of vitamin B is more common than you may imagine, based on the specific kind of vitamin B. Take, for example, the deficiency in vitamin B12 is very prevalent, especially among senior citizens and vegetarians or people who avoid eating animal products such as eggs and cheese, all of which are rich with this vitamin.

If your diet does not include poultry, fish, bananas and other foods with vitamin B6 or if you have kidney problems, it can lead to vitamin B6 deficiencies. Although deficiencies of other vitamins under group B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B9) are not common, they can still happen when one's diet is poorly balanced or due to other diseases.

Maintaining a mixed diet that contains ample amounts of different kinds of vitamins will go a long way in ensuring good health and preventing these shortages.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency?

Learn about the signs and symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, which can affect your health in various ways. The table below offers a detailed look at these indicators, helping you recognise and manage potential deficiencies early to maintain your well-being:

Sr.No.	Vitamin	Symptom	Description
1	B1	Weight loss	Unintended loss of body weight over time.
2		Loss of muscle mass	Decrease in muscle size and strength.
3		Poor reflexes	Reduced or slow response to stimuli.
4		Reduced or no appetite	Decreased desire to eat food.
5		Confusion or memory problems	Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
6		Heart problems	Issues affecting the heart's function.
7		Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands	Sensations of tingling or numbness in extremities.
8	B2	Skin disorders	Various skin abnormalities or conditions.
9		Mouth sores	Painful lesions or ulcers in the mouth.
10		Red, itchy eyes	Eyes that are red, swollen, or irritated.
11		Swelling of throat and mouth	Inflammation and swelling in the throat or mouth area.
12		Cracked and swollen lips	Lips that are dry, cracked, or swollen.
13		Hair loss	Noticeable loss of hair from the scalp or body.
14	B3	Skin discolouration after sunlight exposure	Changes in skin colour after being exposed to sunlight.
15		Skin appears rough in patches	Rough or uneven texture on the skin surface.
16		Headache	Pain or discomfort in the head or scalp.
17		Fatigue	Extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
18		Depression	Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest.
19		Redness of tongue	Abnormal redness or inflammation of the tongue.
20		Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation	Changes in bowel habits, including frequent or infrequent bowel movements.
21	B5	Numbness and burning of the feet and hands	Tingling or burning sensations in hands and feet.
22		A lack of appetite	Decreased desire to eat or loss of hunger.
23		Headache	Pain or discomfort in the head or scalp.
24		Irritability	Easily annoyed or provoked.
25		Restlessness and poor sleep	Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, along with feelings of restlessness.
26	B6	Anemia	A condition where there is a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood.
27		Lips scaling	Dry, scaly skin on the lips.
28		Depression	Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest.
29		Cracks at the corners of the mouth	Painful splits or fissures at the corners of the mouth.
30		Swollen tongue	A tongue that is enlarged, inflamed, or puffy.
31		Weakened immune system	Decreased ability to fight off infections or illnesses.
32		Confusion	Difficulty understanding or processing information.
33	B7	Hair fall and thinning	Increased shedding of hair from the scalp.
34		Fatigue	Extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
35		A scaly rash near the nose, eyes and mouth	Dry, irritated skin patches around facial areas.
36		Brittle nails	Nails that are fragile, easily breakable, or prone to splitting.
37		Depression	Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest.
38	B9	Weakness	Lack of physical strength or energy.
39		Sores in the mouth or on the tongue	Painful ulcers or lesions inside the mouth or on the tongue.
40		Skin, nail or hair changes	Alterations or abnormalities in skin texture, nail appearance, or hair growth patterns.
41		Headache	Pain or discomfort in the head or scalp.
42		Heart palpitations	Sensations of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.
43		Irritability	Easily annoyed or provoked.
44	B12	Fatigue	Extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
45		Tingling and numbness in the feet and hands	Sensations of tingling or numbness in extremities.
46		Memory problems	Difficulty remembering things or concentrating on tasks.
47		Depression	Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest.
48		Weight loss	Unintended loss of body weight over time.
49		Constipation	Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
50		Loss of appetite	Decreased desire to eat food.

Reasons Causing Deficiency of Vitamin B in the Body

There are several reasons associated with the cause of vitamin B deficiency in the body. Given below are the top 4 vitamin B deficiency causes:

Non-balanced Diet

Unlike proteins, the body cannot make B vitamins directly. Thus, an individual must obtain them through food. If one maintains a well-balanced diet that provides the body with the appropriate amount of nutrients, it can help avoid B vitamin deficiency symptoms.

However, for several reasons, individuals don’t obtain the right nutrients in their required amount because of an unbalanced diet. For instance, vegetarians might not get an adequate amount of vitamin B12 as it is majorly found in dairy and animal-based foods. This leads to a vitamin B deficiency. Hence dietary inadequacy forms a key reason for the cause of this deficiency.

Now one might be wondering as to which foods to include in one’s diet so that one’s diet does not lack the required nutrients. It depends on which nutrient out of the eight in the B vitamin family is being considered.

Excessive Consumption of Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption has several downsides, one of which is the deficiency of vitamin B. The alcohol makes the kidneys flush vitamin B out of an individual’s system much more rapidly than usual. This implies that the body does not have all the time it requires to use the B vitamins, which again means that they get wasted.

Medications

Many kinds of prescription medicines can result in the deficiency of vitamin B. Given below are some B vitamins and the medications which can make them deficient:

Vitamin B6 deficiency: isoniazid, hydralazine, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and penicillamine
Vitamin B9 deficiency: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, methotrexate, phenytoin, and sulfasalazine
Vitamin B12 deficiency: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, metformin, long-term antibiotics, and antidepressants

Gut Malabsorption Conditions

Vitamin B is absorbed by the gut and into an individual’s bloodstream under healthy conditions. These much-needed vitamins then get transported by the bloodstream throughout the body. Hence if they are not present in the bloodstream, the body cannot make use of them.

This is exactly where the problem arises if someone has a condition of gut malabsorption like Crohn’s or Celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis. These conditions prevent the B vitamins from entering the bloodstream, thereby causing a substantial drop in the vitamin B levels in the blood, causing potential harm to an individual’s well-being.

What are the Diagnosis of Vitamin B Deficiency?

Vitamin B deficiency can be diagnosed through an all-round approach of recognition and verification of the condition by different methods:

Physical Examination

B vitamin deficiencies may present in skin abnormalities (for B2), neurological signs (for B1, B6, and B12) and buccal manifestations (for vitamin B2 and folic acid).

Dietary Assessment

Assessing the patient's diet to establish gaps that could result in the inadequacy of each specific vitamin.

Blood Tests

Analysis of blood samples to assess the levels of particular VB vitamins can help diagnose deficits or diagnose amounts.

Imaging Studies

In a few cases, imaging techniques can be employed so as to identify complications related to severe deficiencies including those involving nerves (B1, B6, and B12).

Medical History Review

A thorough review that examines a patient’s medical history will be done to identify potential underlying diseases or drugs which might interfere with either the absorption or utilisation of vitamin Bs

Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B deficiency can lead to adverse health impacts, and therefore, someone who is deficient in the same should take steps to overcome the deficiency. Additionally, every healthy individual must also ensure to prevent this deficiency from occurring.

If you are searching for how to overcome vitamin B deficiency, find the below-mentioned list of foods. These foods are specifically categorised according to the type of vitamins which they provide.

Fruits to Overcome Vitamin B Deficiency

Check out a selection of fruits rich in vitamin B, given in the table below, which can help address deficiency and support overall health.

Sr.No.	Fruits	Vitamins
1	Avocado	B3 (2.6 mg), B5 (2.8 mg), B6 (0.5 mg), B7 (3.2-10.00 mg)
2	Papaya	B1 (199.31 mg), B2 (295.63 mg)
3	Orange and Orange juice	B3 (0.425 mg), B5 (0.261 mg), B9 (25 µg)

Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin B Deficiency

Learn about a range of vegetables rich in vitamin B, featured in the table below, which play a crucial role in supporting health and combating deficiencies effectively.

Sr.No.	Vegetables	Vitamins
1	Spinach	B3 (0.72mg), B5,(0.2mg), B9 (194µg)
2	Mushrooms	B2 (0.3 mg), B3 (4.262 mg), B5 (1.113 mg), B9 (33 µg)

Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin B Deficiency

Explore a selection of foods beyond fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin B, highlighted in the table below, each contributing significantly to your health and aiding in overcoming deficiencies.

Sr. No.	Food Items	Vitamins
1	Whole grains	B1 (0.3mg), B5 (0.66 mg)
2	Fortified cereals	B1 (1.4mg), B2 (1.3 mg), B3 (8.3)
3	Pasta	B1 (0.17mg)
4	Peanuts	B1 (0.69mg), B3 (12.7mg), B6 (0.35mg)
5	Kidney beans	B1 (0.37mg), B6 (0.39mg)
6	Chickpeas	B1 (0.48mg), B2 (0.29mg)
7	Pork	B1 (0.56mg, B6 (0.39mg), B12 (0.54µg)
8	Trout	B6 (0.34mg), B12 (3.78mg)
9	Mussels	B1 (0.3mg), B2 (0.4mg), B3 (3mg), B5 (0.95mg), B12 (12µg)
10	Yoghurt	B12 (1.1 mcg)
11	Whole milk	B5 (1.8mg), B12 (0.54µg)
12	Tuna	B6 (0.45mg), B12 (2.2 µg)
13	Chicken	B5 (1.6mg), B12 (0.3mcg)
14	Sunflower seeds	B5 (7mg), B7 (2.6mg)
15	Eggs	B7 (10mcg), B9 (40-86µg), B12 (0.6mcg)
16	Salmon	B5 (3.3mg), B6 (0.6mg), B7 (5.0mg), B12 (3.2 µg)
17	Beef liver	B2 (2.9mg), B5 (0.77mg), B7 (3.0mg), B9 (2.13mg), B12 (18.7 µg)
18	Clams	B12 (98.9 µg)

Side Effects of Vitamin B Deficiency

Unchecked early symptoms of vitamin B deficiency can lead to various persistent health issues depending on the specific B vitamin lacking:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, confusion, muscle weakness, and nerve damage.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency: Cracks or sores on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis), inflammation and redness of the lining of the mouth and tongue (magenta), weakness in palms.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency: Skin disorders like dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia, and possibly death in severe cases.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency: Anemia, skin disorders, confusion, and depression.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency: Hair loss, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and neurological symptoms.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) Deficiency: Megaloblastic anaemia, weakness, fatigue, and neural tube defects in newborns.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency: Anemia, neurological disorders such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, memory loss, and dementia.

Diseases Caused Due to Vitamin B Deficiency

There are a number of vitamin B deficiency diseases that have an impact on the brain, heart and mental well-being of an individual. For instance, deficiency of both B12 and B9 can lead to anemia in some cases, which refers to a condition where an individual’s body lacks healthy red blood cells.

Such a condition makes it difficult for the different body parts to get the much-needed oxygen. Anemia can also result in dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even tingling and numbness.

Some other health conditions related to the deficiency of vitamin B are:

Paresthesias: A feeling of pins-and-needles usually felt around the hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Peripheral neuropathy: A condition of the nervous system which is often experienced as a burning or stabbing pain.
Psychosis: A mental condition where the perceptions and thoughts of an individual are considerably altered, thereby leading to hallucinations, delusions, or other symptoms.
Heart attack and stroke: A vitamin B12 deficiency might increase the risk of getting a stroke or heart attack.

Treatments for Vitamin B Deficiency

Addressing vitamin B deficiency typically involves dietary changes and medical interventions to restore adequate nutrient levels. Below are the common treatments:

Treatment Method	Description
Oral Vitamin B Supplements	Tablets or capsules containing specific B vitamins are prescribed based on deficiency type and severity. Dosages vary widely depending on the specific B vitamin.
Vitamin B Rich Diet	Incorporating foods rich in the deficient B vitamin(s), such as meats, fish, dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, to naturally increase intake and prevent recurrence.
Vitamin B Injections	For severe cases or when oral supplements are not sufficient, intramuscular or intravenous injections of the deficient B vitamin may be administered under medical supervision.
Multivitamin Supplements	Broad-spectrum multivitamin formulations containing various B vitamins to ensure balanced intake and address broader nutritional deficiencies.
Regular Monitoring	Ongoing assessment of B vitamin levels through blood tests and adjustments to diet or supplement regimen to maintain optimal levels and prevent future deficiencies.

Vitamin B Supplements:

In order to stay healthy, individuals don’t have to take supplements for getting adequate B vitamins. There exists a number of foods, which can provide all the nutrients required by an individual naturally. Someone, who doesn’t have any restrictions regarding foods, must ensure to eat a well-balanced and complete diet featuring:

Grains
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats

Supplementation can be considered as the last option if one is unable to acquire adequate amounts of these vitamins through food or if there are some specific health conditions that require the usage of supplementation.

Over the counter vitamin supplements bear the potential to prevent or treat the deficiency. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before opting for such supplements. Supplements may be necessary during pregnancy and for people aged over 50.

Though the risk of overdosage in the case of B vitamins is lower as compared to other nutrients due to the water-soluble nature of these micronutrients, it can happen in the following events:

Side effects
Interactions with medications an individual takes
Long-term health effects

How Long Does it Take to Correct Vitamin B Deficiency?

On a biological scale, the absorption of the vitamin occurs in some hours, and the metabolic effects also take place immediately. Therefore, individuals deficient in vitamin B might wonder as to how much time it would require to correct a deficiency in B vitamins. It depends on a number of factors that affect the efficacy of these vitamins and also acts in preventing the body from absorbing them completely. These are:

Level of Deficiency

If someone is excessively deficient in a specific mineral or vitamin, it might take longer to correct the deficiency. Therefore, the individual might need a higher dosage that would help to recover to the normal levels rapidly.

Supplement Type

It has been said that vitamins administered in liquid form would show a faster effect than those taken as a capsule. This is mainly due to the fact that for extracting the vitamins inside, the body needs to break down the capsule.

Fat-soluble or Water-soluble Nature

Nutrients that are fat-soluble in nature need fat absorption, and this is carried out through the mixture of such vitamins with a fat present in the liquid or capsule or by having them along with food. These stay stored in the body and hence might not require that much regular or high dosage as the water-soluble ones.

On the other hand, the water-soluble nutrients get dissolved in water and therefore get absorbed in the tissues easily, which implies that they might show a slightly faster effect.

Nutrient Pairings

There are several minerals and vitamins which are found to be interrelated in the manner they work. If such nutrients are paired together and then administered to an individual, it will lead to both of them functioning in an optimum manner. For instance, zinc and vitamin B6 shows a similar kind of interrelation.

Habits and Lifestyle

There are some lifestyle habits and factors like smoking and drinking alcohol that can result in malabsorption, thereby requiring a greater intake for maintaining equilibrium. Similarly, it has been found that the absorption of vitamin B6 is blocked by caffeine.

Health Issues

Some health problems can also affect absorption like many individuals are unable to absorb certain nutrients because of gut issues like inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac.

Who is at Risk of Suffering from Vitamin B Deficiency?

The groups of people who are at risk of developing vitamin B deficiency also vary according to the nutrient, which is deficient in an individual.

Given below are all the groups of individuals who are at risk of developing these deficiencies as per the eight different nutrients in this group.

Vitamin B1

Individuals suffering from HIV or AIDS
Diabetic individuals
Individuals having dependence on alcohol
Old adults
Those individuals who have heart failure
Individuals who have had bariatric surgery

Vitamin B2

Individuals who follow a vegan diet or those who do not consume dairy products
Athletic people who do not eat meat, and especially those individuals who also do not have other animal products or eat dairy
Lactating or pregnant women, especially those who do not consume dairy products or meat

Vitamin B3

Anorexia nervosa
Alcohol use disorder
AIDS
Malnutrition
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Hartnup disease
Carcinoid syndrome leads to the development of tumours in the gastrointestinal tract

Vitamin B5

Individuals having a particular gene mutation known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration 2 mutation are at a high risk of deficiency.

Vitamin B6

Renal or kidney disease
Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
People who are dependent on alcohol
Individuals who have had a kidney transplant
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis

Vitamin B7

Individuals having a metabolic disorder known as biotinidase deficiency
Lactating or pregnant women
Individuals with alcohol use disorder

Vitamin B9

People with alcohol use disorder
IBD
Celiac disease
Conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption

Vitamin B12

Conditions interfering with nutrient absorption
Individuals who have had surgery on the stomach or gastric bypass surgery
Older adults
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Vegan and vegetarians individuals and pregnant or lactating women may also require an extra amount of vitamin B 12.

In conclusion, recognising the signs and symptoms of vitamin B deficiency is crucial for maintaining good health. Early detection and treatment can prevent these issues from worsening. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamin B, or taking supplements if necessary, can help maintain optimal health and well-being.

FAQs about Vitamin B Deficiency

All

What are the consequences which an individual can face because of a chronic B12 deficiency?

If the condition of chronic deficiency of vitamin B12 is left untreated, it can result in psychiatric and neurological problems. It can also cause interference with nerve signalling and lead to muscle weakness.

Who should get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Individuals suffering from chronic illness, bowel disorder, or those who avoid having animal products must get tested. Similarly, individuals having age more than 50 years should also be tested.

If one is facing fatigue, depression, weakness, or is just experiencing the feeling of being depleted, it’s imperative for ruling out a deficiency in vitamin B12 while also checking for other causes for the symptoms.

Should you take a supplement for vitamin B12?

Without getting checked with a registered dietician, nutritionist and/or a physician first, starting to take a supplement for any particular vitamin is not advisable. Consumption of an excessive amount of vitamin B12 can mask health conditions like pernicious anaemia, thereby causing a delay in the treatment which an individual might require.

If someone experiences fatigue, depression, irritability, muscle weakness, weight loss and decreased appetite, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor in order to diagnose the reason behind the issue.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin B?

Symptoms vary depending on the specific B vitamin deficiency but can include fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood changes.

What are the side effects of vitamin B?

Side effects can include neurological issues (such as numbness, tingling, and cognitive difficulties), anaemia, skin disorders, digestive problems, and in severe cases, irreversible nerve damage or birth defects.

How to increase vitamin B?

Increase intake through foods rich in B vitamins like meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Supplements may be recommended in cases of deficiency or for individuals with specific dietary needs.

What happens if your vitamin B is low?

Low levels of B vitamins can lead to various health issues as mentioned above, impacting energy levels, nerve function, red blood cell production, and overall well-being.

What foods are high in vitamin B?

Foods high in different B vitamins include:

Vitamin B1: Whole grains, beans, nuts, pork
Vitamin B2: Organ meats, dairy, fortified cereals
Vitamin B3: Meat, fish, nuts, seeds
Vitamin B5: Avocados, mushrooms, eggs
Vitamin B6: Poultry, fish, potatoes, bananas
Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Organ meats, eggs, nuts, seeds
Vitamin B9 (Folate): Leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits
Vitamin B12: Meat, fish, dairy products

How common is vitamin B deficiency?

Vitamin B deficiency is relatively common, especially among elderly individuals, vegetarians/vegans, those with certain medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption, and people with poor dietary habits.

Does a lack of vitamin B result in hair loss?

Yes, certain B vitamin deficiencies, particularly biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency, can lead to hair loss or thinning hair.

When using vitamin B, what should you avoid?

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, which can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of B vitamins.

Is vitamin B a source of energy?

Yes, B vitamins play a crucial role in converting food into energy, supporting metabolism and cellular function.

What effects does vitamin B have on your skin?

Vitamin B complex vitamins (like biotin and niacin) are important for healthy skin, promoting cell turnover, maintaining moisture balance, and reducing inflammation.

Who is most at risk for vitamin B deficiency?

Vegetarians/vegans, elderly individuals, pregnant women, people with gastrointestinal disorders, chronic alcoholics, and those with certain genetic disorders impacting nutrient absorption are at higher risk.

What age group needs more vitamin B?

Older adults may need more vitamin B12 due to reduced absorption with age. Pregnant women also need more folate (vitamin B9) to support fetal development.

What drink is high in vitamin B?

Some fortified beverages like fortified cereals and plant-based milk alternatives can be high in B vitamins.

Do symptoms of vitamin B deficiency are similar in all skin types?

Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency are generally similar across different skin types, focusing on systemic symptoms like fatigue, anaemia, and neurological issues rather than specific skin type variations.