Do you ever wonder why doctors always tell you to eat a balanced diet? Say you love pineapple chicken, for example. Pineapples and chicken are both good for you, right? So why can’t you just live off pineapple chicken?
The reason is that the building blocks for good health come from a variety of foods, even if they are from the same family of nutrients. Such is the case with vitamin B, a key player in maintaining cell health and keeping you energized.
Not all types of vitamin B do the same thing. Additionally, the different types of vitamin B all come from different types of foods.
Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to health problems. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a supplement when they think you’re not getting enough.
Here’s a rundown of the most common types of vitamin B: what they do, which foods contain them, and why you need them.
VITAMIN B-12
Vitamin B-12
What it does: Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) helps regulate the nervous system. It also plays a role in growth and red blood cell formation.
Which foods contain it: Vitamin B-12 is found primarily in meat and dairy products, so anyone on a strict vegan diet is at risk for deficiency. The only source of B-12 is through fortified foods.
Some of the best sources of vitamin B-12 include:
- eggs
- cheese (one serving is the size of a domino)
- a glass of milk (1 cup)
- fish (a serving of any meat is the same size as a deck of cards)
- shellfish
- liver
- kidney
- red meat
What happens if you don’t get enough: Vitamin B-12 deficiencies can lead to anemia and confusion in elderly people.
Psychological problems such as dementia, paranoia, depression, and behavioral problems can result from a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Neurological damage sometimes cannot be reversed.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause the following symptoms:
- tingling in the feet and hands
- extreme fatigue
- weakness
- irritability or depression
VITAMIN B-6
Vitamin B-6
What it does: Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) helps the body turn food into energy. It can also help the body fight infections. Pregnant and breast-feeding women need it to help their babies’ brains develop normally.
Where you get it: B-6 can be found in:
- chickpeas
- tuna
- salmon
- whole grains and cereals (a portion is the size of your fist)
- beef liver
- ground beef
- chicken breast
- watermelon (a serving of fruit is also no larger than a fist)
- potatoes
- spinach (a serving size is equivalent to a rounded handful)
Why you need it: Insufficient amounts of B-6 can result in anemia as well as skin disorders, such as a rash or cracks around the mouth. A lack of B-6 also can cause:
- depression
- confusion
- nausea
- anemia
- susceptibility to infections
- skin rashes (dermatiti
VITAMINS B-1 AND B-2
Vitamins B-1 and B-2
What they do: Vitamin B-1 is also called thiamin and Vitamin B-2 is also called riboflavin. These vitamins help convert food into energy. Vitamin B-1 has neurological benefits, and vitamin B-2 helps maintain proper eyesight.
Where you get it: Most people get B-1 from breakfast cereals and whole grains. B-2 can be found in:
- whole grains
- milk
- eggs
- dark green vegetables
Get your daily servings of green vegetables with this green smoothie.
Why you need them: Deficiencies in vitamins B-1 and B-2 generally don’t pose a problem in the United States. This is due to the fact that many foods, such as milk and whole-grain cereals, are fortified with the vitamins. It can become an issue with people who abuse alcohol, however, presenting symptoms such as confusion and cracks along the sides of the mouth.
VITAMIN B-3
Vitamin B-3
What it does: Vitamin B-3 (niacin) also helps convert food into energy. It aids in proper digestion and healthy appetite as well.
Where you get it: Vitamin B-3 is found in:
- chicken
- fish
- liver
- red meat
- whole grains, such as wheat and barley
- peanuts
Why you need it: A lack of vitamin B-3 can cause digestive issues, such as nausea and abdominal cramps. Severe deficiency may also cause mental confusion
VITAMIN B-9
Vitamin B-9
What it does: Vitamin B-9 is also called folic acid. Like most B vitamins, it fosters the growth of red blood cells. But it also reduces the risk of birth defects.
Where you get it: Vitamin B-9 can be found in:
- meats
- whole grains
- beets
- citrus fruits
- fish
- fortified cereals
- legumes
- green leafy vegetables
- liver and kidney
Make this spicy roasted beet hummus as a snack or appetizer.
Why you need it: Without enough B-9, a person can develop diarrhea or anemia. Pregnant women with a B-9 deficiency could give birth to babies with defects.
PREVENTING DEFICIENCY
Preventing deficiency
To stay healthy, most people don’t need to take a supplement in order to get enough B vitamins. There are plenty of delicious foods available to get all the nutrients you need naturally, as long as you maintain a complete diet of meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Sometimes over-the-counter supplements are used to prevent deficiency. Vitamin supplements should only be taken under advice of a doctor. If you are pregnant or over the age of 50, you are more likely to need supplements.
Also, supplementation is only a last resort if you cannot obtain B vitamins through diet, or if you have certain health conditions that warrant their use. While the risk of overdose is low because B vitamins are water-soluble, supplements may still cause side effects or interact with medications you take.
If you suspect you might be vitamin B-deficient, contact your doctor. They might order a physical exam as well as blood testing.