B vitamins deficiency: symptoms and consequences

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B vitamins deficiency: symptoms and consequences

I. General understanding of group B vitamins and their role

B vitamins are a group of eight water -soluble vitamins that play a decisive role in many important functions of the body. They act as coofers, helping enzymes perform their functions, which is necessary for energy exchange, health of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and many other processes. Each vitamin B has its own unique role, and the deficiency of any of them can lead to various health problems.

IA Eight B vitamins B:

  1. TIAMIN (B1): It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the functioning of the nervous system and muscle function.
  2. Riboflavin (b2): It is important for energy metabolism, cell growth and skin health.
  3. Niacin (B3): Participates in the energy exchange, DNA of reparation and the functioning of the nervous system.
  4. Pantotenic acid (B5): It is necessary for the synthesis of Coenzyme A (COA), which plays a key role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
  5. Pyridoxin (B6): Participates in amino acid metabolism, the formation of neurotransmitters and the formation of red blood cells.
  6. Biotin (B7): It is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as for the health of hair, skin and nails.
  7. Folate (B9): It is important for the growth and development of cells, especially during pregnancy, as well as for the formation of red blood cells.
  8. Kobalamin (B12): It is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis.

IB water use of B vitamins B:

Widespread means that these vitamins do not accumulate in the body in significant quantities and are excreted in the urine. Therefore, it is important to regularly receive them from food or additives in order to maintain an adequate level.

IC Interaction of B vitamins B:

B vitamins work synergically, that is, they interact with each other to fulfill their functions. The deficiency of one vitamin B can affect the function of other vitamins B. Therefore, it is often recommended to take additives containing the entire complex of vitamins of group B.

II. Causes of deficiency of B vitamins

B vitamins deficiency can be caused by various factors, including dietary disabilities, absorption disorders, certain diseases and taking some drugs.

II.A. Dietary factors:

  1. Insufficient consumption of rich in vitamins B products: Diet, poor in whole grain products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits, can lead to a deficiency of group B vitamins. This is especially true for strict vegetarians and vegans who need to carefully plan their diet to receive a sufficient amount of vitamin B12, which is mainly contained in animal products.
  2. Excessive food processing: Food processing can reduce the content of group B vitamins. For example, grain refinement removes most of the thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
  3. Unstable diet: A diet in which products with a high degree of processing, sweets and fats, and not all -granar products, fruits and vegetables are not dominated, can lead to a deficiency of group B.

II.B. Search violations:

  1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and irritable intestinal syndrome (SRK), can disrupt the absorption of group B vitamins. Inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa prevent the normal absorption of nutrients.
  2. Surgical intervention on the stomach or intestines: Operations, such as resection of the stomach or intestines, can reduce the surface area available for absorption of vitamins of group B.
  3. Atrophic gastritis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, which leads to a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid and internal factor. The internal factor is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
  4. Age changes: With age, the production of hydrochloric acid and internal factor decreases, which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

II.C. Other reasons:

  1. Alcoholism: Chronic abuse of alcohol can violate the absorption and metabolism of group B vitamins, especially thiamine.
  2. Taking drugs: Some drugs may affect the absorption or use of group B vitamins. For example, metformin used to treat diabetes can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Other drugs, such as Omeprazole and Lanceprazole, reducing the acidity of the stomach, can also affect B12 absorption.
  3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for vitamins of group B increases, so women should pay special attention to their diet or accept additives.
  4. Genetic factors: Some genetic factors can affect the metabolism of group B vitamins. For example, people with the mutation of the MthFR gene can experience difficulties with converting folic acid into its active form.
  5. Kidney diseases: Kidney diseases can lead to loss of group B vitamins with urine.
  6. Dialysis: Patients on dialysis can lose vitamins of group B during the procedure.
  7. Hypertreenineosis: Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function) can increase the body’s need for vitamins of group B.

III. Symptoms of B vitamins deficiency

Symptoms of deficiency of group B vitamins can be different and depend on which vitamin B is not enough. They can also vary in severity.

III.A. General symptoms of group B vitamins:

  1. Fatigue and weakness: One of the most common symptoms of group B vitamins, since these vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism.
  2. Headaches: Can be caused by a deficiency of various vitamins of group B, including B2, B3 and B6.
  3. Irritability and mood swings: B vitamins play a role in the functioning of the nervous system, and their deficiency can affect mood and behavior.
  4. Problems with concentration and memory: The lack of vitamins of group B can worsen cognitive functions.
  5. Insomnia: Vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with sleep problems.
  6. Loss of appetite: Some B vitamins are involved in the regulation of appetite.
  7. Anemia: The deficiency of vitamins B12 and folic acid can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by the presence of large, abnormal red blood cells.

III.B. Specific symptoms of deficiency of individual vitamins of group B:

  1. Tiamine deficit (B1):
    • Since A serious disease that can affect the cardiovascular, nervous and muscle systems. Symptoms include weakness, swelling, shortness of breath, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, as well as heart failure.
    • Encephalopathy Vernika-Korsakov: Neurological disorder, which is more common in people who abuse alcohol. Symptoms include confusion, problems with coordination, visual impairment and memory loss.
  2. Riboflavin deficiency (B2):
    • Heit: Cracks and inflammation in the corners of the mouth.
    • Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue that becomes red and painful.
    • Dermatitis: Skin inflammation, especially around the nose and mouth.
    • Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.
  3. Niacina deficiency (B3):
    • Pellagra: The disease characterized by “three D”: dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia. Dermatitis usually manifests itself in the form of symmetrical redness and peeling of the skin, especially in areas subject to sunlight. Diarye can be severe and lead to dehydration. Dementia is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive functions, including memory, thinking and orientation.
  4. Pantothenic acid deficiency (B5):
    • B5 deficiency is rare, but can manifest itself in the form of fatigue, headaches, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, as well as gastrointestinal disorders.
  5. Pyridoxin deficiency (B6):
    • Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin disease that causes peeling of the skin on the face, head and chest.
    • Heyrozy: Inflammation and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
    • Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue.
    • Peripheralic neuropathy: Damage to the nerves, which can cause tingling, numbness and pain in the hands and legs.
    • Anemia: B6 deficiency can lead to microcitic anemia, in which red blood cells become small.
    • Depression: B6 deficiency can affect the mood and increase the risk of depression.
  6. Biotin deficiency (B7):
    • Biotin’s deficiency is rare, but can manifest itself in the form of thinning of hair, skin rash, fragility of nails, depression and fatigue.
  7. Folla deficiency (B9):
    • Megaloblastic anemia: Anemia characterized by the presence of large, abnormal red blood cells.
    • Congenital defects of the nervous tube: During pregnancy, deficiency of folic acid can increase the risk of developing defects in the nervous tube in the fetus, such as the clever spine.
    • Weakness and fatigue: Because of anemia.
    • Irritability:
    • Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue.
  8. Cobalamin Deficit (B12):
    • Megaloblastic anemia:
    • Neurological problems: B12 deficiency can cause damage to nerves, which leads to tingling, numbness, weakness, problems with coordination and memory loss. In severe cases, B12 deficiency can lead to dementia.
    • Glossit:
    • Fatigue:
    • Depression:
    • Psychosis: In rare cases.

IV. The consequences of the deficiency of vitamins of group B

A prolonged deficiency of group B vitamins can lead to serious health consequences, affecting various organs and systems of the body.

IV.A. Neurological consequences:

  1. Peripheralic neuropathy: The deficiency of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can lead to damage to the peripheral nerves, causing tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in the arms and legs. In severe cases, neuropathy can lead to loss of sensitivity and motor functions.
  2. Dementia: Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of dementia, especially in the elderly. B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health of nerve cells, and its deficiency can lead to cognitive impairment.
  3. Encephalopathy Vernika-Korsakov: Tiamin deficiency (B1), often found in people who abuse alcohol, can lead to this serious neurological disorder, which is characterized by confusion, problems with coordination, visual impairments and memory loss.
  4. Depression: The deficiency of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can affect the mood and increase the risk of depression. These vitamins are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in mood regulation.

IV.B. Cardiovascular consequences:

  1. Hypergomocistineemia: Folic acid deficiency, B12 and B6 can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine ​​in the blood. A high level of homocysteine ​​is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke.
  2. Heart failure: Tiamin deficiency (B1) can lead to Beri Berie, who in severe cases can affect the cardiovascular system and cause cardiopulmonary failure.

IV.C. Hematological consequences:

  1. Anemia: The deficiency of vitamins B12 and folic acid can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by the presence of large, abnormal red blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to microcitic anemia, in which red blood cells become small. Anemia leads to a decrease in the ability of blood to tolerate oxygen, which causes fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.

IV.D. The consequences for the skin and mucous membranes:

  1. Dermatitis: The deficiency of vitamins B2, B3, B6 and biotin can cause various skin problems, such as dermatitis, eczema and rash.
  2. Heit and Glossitis: The deficiency of vitamins B2, B6, B12 and folic acid can lead to inflammation and cracks in the corners of the mouth (heit) and inflammation of the tongue (glossitis).

IV.E. Congenital defects:

  1. Nervous tube defects: During pregnancy, the deficiency of folic acid can significantly increase the risk of developing defects of the nerve tube in the fetus, such as the crevice of the spine (Spina Bifida) and an anencephaly.

IV.F. Other consequences:

  1. Osteoporosis: Some studies show that vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
  2. Weak immunity: B vitamins play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and their deficiency can weaken the immune function and increase susceptibility to infections.

V. Diagnosis of deficiency of vitamins of group B

Diagnosis of a deficiency of group B vitamins usually includes a blood test and symptoms assessment.

VA Analysis Empty:

  1. General blood test: It can identify anemia (low level of hemoglobin and/or red blood cells), which may indicate a deficiency of vitamins B12 or folic acid.
  2. Measurement of vitamin B levels in blood serum: Allows you to determine the level of specific vitamins B in the blood. However, it should be noted that the level of vitamins in blood serum may not always reflect their level in the tissues of the body.
  3. Measurement of homocysteine ​​levels: An increased level of homocysteine ​​may indicate a deficiency of folic acid, B12 or B6.
  4. Measurement of methylmalonic acid level (MMA): An increased MMA level may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B12, even if the B12 level in blood serum is within normal limits. This is a more sensitive indicator of B12 deficiency than measuring the B12 level in blood serum.
  5. Shilling test: Previously used to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency associated with violation of absorption. Currently, this test is used less often, since more modern diagnostic methods are available.

VB Assessment of Symptoms:

The doctor will conduct a survey about the symptoms, diet and medical history of the patient’s disease to assess the likelihood of a deficiency of vitamins of group B.

VC differential diagnosis:

It is important to exclude other diseases that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid diseases, depression and neurological disorders.

VI. Treatment of deficiency of B vitamins

Treatment of deficiency of B vitamins depends on the severity of the deficiency and the cause of its occurrence.

VI.A. Dietary changes:

  1. The use of products rich in group B vitamins: The inclusion in the diet of whole grain products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
  2. Alcohol use restriction: Alcohol can violate the absorption and metabolism of vitamins of group B.
  3. Proper cooking: Some B vitamins can collapse at high temperature, so it is recommended to cook food, cook or bake, and not fry.

Vi.b. Reception of additives:

  1. Complex of B vitamins B: It can be useful for those who do not receive a sufficient amount of group B vitamins from food.
  2. Individual additives of vitamins B: Can be necessary with a pronounced deficiency of a particular vitamin B.
  3. Vitamin B12 in injections or sublingual tablets: It may be necessary in case of violation of the absorption of vitamin B12, for example, with atrophic gastritis or after surgery on the stomach. Injections B12 bypass the digestive tract and provide the direct flow of vitamin into the blood. Sublingval tablets dissolve under the tongue and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

VI.C. Treatment of the underlying disease:

If the deficiency of group B vitamins is caused by the underlying disease, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, this disease must be treated.

VI.D. Monitoring:

It is important to regularly take blood tests to control the level of group B vitamins and make sure that the treatment is effective.

VII. Prevention of deficiency of B vitamins

Prevention of deficiency of B vitamins includes proper nutrition, taking additives, if necessary and timely treatment of diseases that can disrupt the absorption of vitamins.

VII.A. Proper nutrition:

  1. A diverse diet rich in B: Vitamins B: The use of whole grain products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
  2. Restriction of alcohol and processed foods: These products can violate the absorption and metabolism of vitamins of group B.

VII.B. Reception of additives:

  1. Complex of B vitamins B: It can be useful for people with an increased risk of deficiency of B vitamins, such as elderly people, vegetarians and vegans, people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and people taking certain drugs.
  2. Folic acid during pregnancy: All women planning pregnancy or pregnant women are recommended to take folic acid supplements to prevent defects in the nerve tube in the fetus.

VII.C. Timely treatment of diseases:

  1. Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can violate the absorption of group B vitamins, so it is important to treat these diseases in a timely manner.
  2. Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations can help identify a deficiency of group B vitamins at an early stage.

VIII. B vitamins and special groups of the population

Some groups of the population are at risk of deficiency of group B vitamins and need special attention to their diet and the consumption of additives.

VIII.A. Elderly people:

With age, the production of hydrochloric acid and the internal factor in the stomach decreases, which can lead to a violation of the absorption of vitamin B12. In addition, elderly people often eat less and less diverse, which can lead to a deficiency of other vitamins of group B. Older people are recommended to regularly take blood tests to control the level of group B vitamins and take additives if necessary.

VIII.B. Vegetarians and vegan:

Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans are at risk of deficiency of this vitamin. Vegans need to take vitamin B12 additives or consume enriched products, such as vegetable milk and cereals. Vegetarians are recommended to use enough eggs and dairy products to receive enough B12.

VIII.C. Pregnant and lactating women:

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for vitamins of group B increases, especially in folic acid and B12. Pregnant and lactating women are recommended to take prenatal vitamins containing all the necessary vitamins of group B.

VIII.D. People with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and SRK, can violate the absorption of group B vitamins. People with these diseases are recommended to regularly take blood tests to control the level of group B vitamins and take additives if necessary.

VIII.E. People who abuse alcohol:

Chronic abuse of alcohol can violate the absorption and metabolism of group B vitamins, especially thiamine. People who abuse alcohol are recommended to take B vitamins adds and limit the use of alcohol.

IX. Conclusion

B vitamins deficiency can lead to various health problems affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, blood formation and other organs and systems of the body. Proper nutrition, taking additives, if necessary and timely treatment of diseases, can help prevent a deficiency of group B vitamins and maintain health. It is important to remember that self -medication can be dangerous, therefore, if you suspect a deficiency of B vitamins, you must consult a doctor to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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