Need vitamin B supplements? The signs around your mouth ‘you’re not getting enough’

Dr Dawn Harper on signs of vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The NHS says that there are many different types of vitamin B, which have different functions in our body. It is likely that you should get enough B vitamins by eating a balanced diet, though it is possible to be deficient. Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy.

Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, although some people may need to take extra supplements.

Heathline says that there are several signs “that you’re not getting enough B vitamins”.

These include skin rashes, cracks around the mouth, scaly skin on the lips and a swollen tongue.

The NHS states: “A diagnosis of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can often be made by a GP based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests.”

Indeed, there are several signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is required for the development, myelination, and function of the central nervous system, healthy red blood cell formation.

The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage.

The NHS says you may notice irritability, depression, changes in the way you think, feel and behave, and a decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgement.

The NHS says: “Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated.”

It adds: “The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage.”

NHS Inform says that although it’s uncommon, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can lead to complications, “particularly if you’ve been deficient in vitamin B12 or folate for some time”.

It says that potential complications can include problems with the nervous system, temporary infertility, heart conditions, pregnancy complications and birth defects.

Nonetheless, it also says that most cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.

These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test.

There are several risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia including a family history of the disease, autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease.

If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet, and are unlikely to need to take supplements.

“However, older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from foods might benefit from the use of oral supplements”, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Folate is a B vitamin found in many foods, and the man-made form of folate is called folic acid.

Folate helps the body form healthy red blood cells and reduce the risk of central neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies.

The NHS states: “Adults need 200 micrograms of folate a day. A microgram is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg).”

It adds: “Taking doses of folic acid higher than 1mg can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can eventually damage the nervous system if it’s not spotted and treated.”

Source: Read Full Article