As we get older, our bodies don’t process food in the same way they once did, which means we aren’t always absorbing all the nutrients and vitamins we need – vitamin B is one key nutrient that many of us miss out on.
Vitamin B deficiencies have become increasingly common, particularly in those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, as well as those who take prescribed medication for conditions such as diabetes.
Vitamin B is crucial for healthy brain function, red blood cell creation, and maintaining a strong immune system.
Here are some signs your body needs more vitamin B than it’s currently getting.
Clear Signs You Need More Vitamin B
- You’re tired soon after waking. Without enough vitamin B, you’re never going to feel like you’re getting enough sleep. Your body needs vitamin B to create red blood cells, which is what transport oxygen to your organs. Without this added oxygen, you will experience extreme fatigue almost daily.
- Headaches have become a regular occurrence. Both adults and children can experience headaches regularly when they don’t get enough vitamin B.
- You don’t feel as strong as you used to. This is another symptom that’s linked to a lack of oxygen from red blood cells. You start to feel more sluggish and your muscles weaker when you don’t get enough vitamin B.
- Your stomach is acting up. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation can all occur without enough vitamin B. However, because stomach issues can be linked to a number of other concerns, it’s best to get tested for food intolerances and infections.
- More pins and needles. People with vitamin B deficiencies commonly complain about pins, needles, and a general tingling sensation throughout their bodies. This is usually a long-term effect of low vitamin B levels. When oxygen levels are low for prolonged periods of time, it can cause mild nerve damage.
- You keep misplacing things. Memory also seems to be closely linked to vitamin B deficiencies, so if you keep misplacing your keys and wallet, it could be a sign that you need a vitamin B supplement.
- Dizziness comes more easily. Simple things like walking up a flight of stairs can make you feel wobbly and dizzy when your vitamin B levels are low.
- You look like you could use a little more sun. If you once had a healthy glow and are now paler than you’ve ever been, it could be a sign that you need more vitamin B. When your red blood cells are weak, it has a gradual effect on your skin, leaving you looking paler or with a yellow hue.
Detecting and Treating Vitamin B Deficiencies
All too often, vitamin B deficiencies go undetected or are misdiagnosed, so if you can relate to one or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional.
The solution might be as simple as taking a vitamin B supplement, making lifestyle adjustments, or changing the medication you’re currently taking.
Blood tests can tell you whether your vitamin B levels are where they should be, so make an appointment with your GP to find out more.
