Vitamin B is a group of essential nutrients crucial for your overall health. These vitamins help produce energy, support brain function, and are involved in red blood cell formation. Since your body can’t make these vitamins independently, you must get them through your diet or supplements.
But how do you know if you’re lacking in them? Heather Kennedy, PA-C, at Refine Medical in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is an expert in primary care and can help you determine if you lack vital nutrients. Let’s explore the signs that could indicate low vitamin B levels.
Vitamin B refers to a group of eight essential nutrients:
These vitamins help convert food into energy, support brain function, and aid red blood cell production. Since your body doesn’t produce them naturally, you must get them through diet or supplements.
Vitamin B deficiency can manifest itself in different symptoms. The specific signs depend on which vitamin you lack. You may experience some of the following symptoms if you have a B vitamin deficiency:
Testing your vitamin levels is the next step if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Several factors can contribute to a vitamin B deficiency, but a poor diet tops the list. What you eat — or don't eat — plays a huge role in your vitamin B levels. You may not get enough of these vitamins if your diet lacks B-rich foods like:
Certain medical conditions can also interfere with your body’s absorption of vitamin B. For example, people with gastrointestinal issues such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may struggle to absorb these essential nutrients.
Age is another factor. As you age, your body’s ability to absorb B12 decreases, increasing the risk of a deficiency. Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with vitamin B absorption, especially B1 and B9.
A simple blood test can determine your vitamin B levels. We’ll check for deficiencies and identify which vitamins you may be lacking.
The most common tests measure:
These tests help us pinpoint the exact deficiency so we can recommend the proper treatment. If results show low levels, we’ll discuss treatment options to restore balance.
Tackling a vitamin B deficiency is straightforward. We'll work with you to adjust your diet, recommend supplements, or combine both to get your levels back on track. If we confirm that you're deficient in a particular vitamin, we may recommend increasing your intake of B-rich foods or taking vitamin supplements.
In the case of a vitamin B12 deficiency, some people may require injections, especially if they have trouble absorbing the vitamin through food. Call our office or schedule an appointment online today to ensure you feel your best.