Signs It Might Be Time to Increase Your Vitamin B Intake

Written by Vita Sciences

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Posted on September 27 2022

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.