About Vitamin B
There are eight B vitamins, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). This family of vitamins helps enzymes release energy from carbohydrates and fat and breaks down amino acids t transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body systems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare, but can be caused by anemia, prolonged use of certain medications, and dietary deficiency. Effects of malabsorption include low white and red blood cell counts, glossitis of the tongue (swollen and inflamed), fatigue, pale skin, weight loss and palpitations. The body stores about 1 to 5 mg of vitamin B12, so symptoms of deficiency can take several years to appear. Adults older than 60 may be at risk for vitamin B deficiencies due to malabsorption.
Food Sources for Vitamin B Include:
- Fish
- Nutritional Yeast
- Eggs
- Hazelnuts
- Beef
- Cheese
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kidney Beans
Q: Can Vitamin B build up to toxic levels?
A: Significantly exceeding the daily dose of concentrated supplements may cause vitamin toxicity and symptoms of nausea, rashes, hair loss or gastrointestinal problems like nausea. Always take the recommended dose on the label or look for natural food sources to ingest vitamin B along with healthy whole foods.
Questions?
Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our customers through these unusual times. If you have any questions about the use of vitamins for health, please contact us for more information by calling (250) 494-0531 or filling out the web form here on our Contact page.
You may also want to read: Vitamins for Health – Vitamin C