Published: 01/26/2018 Updated: 03/09/2021
Vitamin deficiency can occur for a variety of reasons. The main ones include:
- monotonous diet;
- improper preparation of food;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- stressful conditions and nervous overload;
Vitamin B1
Cellular energy booster that promotes growth and development. Vitamin B1 increases mental and physical performance, improves detoxification function and metabolism in the nervous system. It also improves mood, has a mild analgesic and wound-healing effect.
Vitamin B1 deficiency causes various disorders in the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems. To compensate for its deficiency, include buckwheat, corn, cashews, and lentils in your diet.
Main symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency
- loss of appetite;
- violation of movement coordination;
- depression, nervousness;
- weakening of cognitive functions (memory loss);
- muscle weakness.
An extreme form of vitamin deficiency is Beriberi disease, which damages the peripheral nerves or the cardiovascular system. As a result, muscles, especially the legs, become exhausted, severe pain appears in the calves, weakness develops, and gait worsens.
Causes of Vitamin B1 Deficiency
- constant consumption of refined products (high-grade flour and products made from it, polished rice);
- increased need for vitamin (pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, physical activity, infections);
- chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, antibiotic poisoning, alcoholism);
- smoking;
- Excessive consumption of tea and coffee, as caffeine destroys vitamin B1.
If you notice that your mood has worsened, cramps have appeared in the calf muscles, and your appetite has disappeared against the background of constant stress, perform the study 95-10-201 - Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in CITILAB. The analysis helps to identify vitamin B1 deficiency, prescribe medications in a timely manner and adjust the diet.
What signs indicate its deficiency?
- chronic persistent fatigue and drowsiness
- pale skin
- nervousness, frequent mood swings
- pain in muscles and joints
- feeling of numbness in the arms and legs
- deterioration of memory and concentration
- frequent mood changes
- rapid heartbeat, feeling of shortness of breath, shortness of breath, dizziness
- bleeding gums
- pale face and raspberry-red tongue
It must be said that these signs are non-specific and you should not focus only on them. It is better to monitor your diet and regularly include foods rich in vitamin B12.
On guard of beauty. What vitamins does your skin need and how to take them? Learn more
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has a stress-protective effect and is part of coenzyme A, which takes part in the metabolic processes of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Vitamin B5 is necessary for the synthesis of vital substances such as hemoglobin, cholesterol, histamine, acetylcholine. In addition, it activates the synthesis of glucocorticosteroids (adrenal hormones), which have immunoregulatory, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is important to understand that without pantothenic acid, other vitamins are poorly or not absorbed at all. Mackerel, sardines, tuna, sweet bell peppers, and pine nuts will help you add a portion of the vitamin to your diet.
Main symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency
- fatigue, weakness, apathy;
- the appearance of a burning sensation in the toes, often numbness;
- with a severe deficiency, “burning feet” syndrome occurs - excruciating pain in the legs at night.
With a lack of pantothenic acid, the production of gastric juice decreases, heart function worsens, neuritis develops, and the risk of developing skin diseases and duodenal ulcers increases.
Causes of Vitamin B5 Deficiency
- long-term malnutrition (food poor in proteins, fats, vitamin C and B vitamins);
- suppression of intestinal microflora, including long-term use of antibiotics and sulfa drugs;
- intestinal diseases of various nature.
To promptly identify pantothenic acid deficiency, go to CITILAB study 95-10-202 - Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
Vitamin B6
Essentially, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a metabolism “activator.” It is necessary for regulating the absorption of proteins, the exchange of amino acids involved in the synthesis of basic neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. With the participation of pyridoxine, glucose is delivered to cells, including brain cells. Vitamin B6 affects cognitive functions: improves memory, thinking, and also improves mood and helps resist stress.
Contained in many plant foods - bananas, nuts (pistachios, hazelnuts), avocados, beans, soybeans, beef liver. It is important to remember that with prolonged or improper heat treatment of foods, this vitamin is destroyed.
Main symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency
- fatigue, depression;
- hair loss;
- “jams” in the corners of the lips.
A clear lack of vitamin B6 reduces the synthesis of dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and melatonin. This can lead to psychological and physiological disorders, insomnia, decreased intellectual abilities, irritability, apathy, or, conversely, aggressive behavior.
Causes of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
- weakened condition, including after surgery, serious illness;
- atherosclerosis;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- pregnancy;
- long-term excess consumption of protein foods;
- increased physical activity;
- liver diseases, gastritis;
- anemia.
If you notice that your hairstyle has become less voluminous, severe dry skin has appeared in the area of the nasolabial fold, above the eyebrows, in general the skin has become drier and rougher, cuts and scratches are slowly healing - do not put off visiting a doctor. The first thing you need to do is donate blood to CITILAB for research 95-10-203 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which will help determine whether there is a deficiency of vitamin B6 in the body or whether there is enough of it.
Numerous group of B vitamins
At any age, a person should receive all the necessary vitamins. A deficiency of any of them can contribute to the development of pathologies. The B group of vitamins regulates metabolic processes in the body. Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are nootropics; they improve the functioning of the nervous system.
Each vitamin has its own purpose:
B1 is necessary to maintain energy metabolism. It maintains a normal heart, helps improve the functioning of the nervous system, and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. B1 is very important for children and adolescents, as it contributes to the normal development of the growing body.
B2 takes part in metabolism, normalizes the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems.
One of its main functions is to strengthen blood vessels and capillaries. Also, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, improves the condition of the skin, hair, and nails.
B3 helps improve blood circulation, strengthen veins and blood vessels, normalize cholesterol levels in the blood, and maintain freshness and beauty of the skin. It also takes part in the synthesis of certain hormones.
B5 produces adrenal hormones and helps in the production of neurotransmitters, improves metabolism and intestinal function.
B6 is responsible for strengthening the heart and blood vessels, maintaining immunity. It improves mood and reduces irritability. It helps improve the appearance of hair, skin, and nails.
B7 normalizes blood sugar levels, gives hair strength, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and helps improve the functioning of the nervous system.
B8 increases concentration, helps strengthen memory, reduces neurosis and prevents panic attacks. It also acts as a liver protector from the accumulation of fats and cholesterol.
B9 improves metabolism and prevents the occurrence of fetal pathologies in pregnant women. Normalizes the functioning of the intestines and liver, promotes the production of red blood cells.
B12 has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and activates intellectual abilities. It also improves mood and reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Vitamin B12
Vitamins B12 are a whole group of cobalt-containing biologically active substances. One of the main ones in it is cyanocobalamin. It is involved in the production of red blood cells and the process of hematopoiesis. Contained mainly in products of animal origin - meat, milk, eggs. Therefore, deficiency is most often observed in people following a strict vegetarian diet, in pregnant women who require an increased amount of B12, as well as in atrophic gastritis and chronic inflammatory diseases of the small intestine.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12
- is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to group B. Another name is cobalamins. Cobalamins represent a whole group of vitamins that take part in the metabolism of every cell, influencing the synthesis and regulation of DNA. Vitamin B can only be synthesized by bacteria and archaea (single-celled microorganisms), which have the unique enzymes necessary for its synthesis. The best food sources of vitamin B12 are animal products because they contain bacterial symbiosis.
Forms of Vitamin B12
What is commonly mistaken for vitamin B12 is cyanocobalamin. This form is found in almost most vitamin products. Cyanocobalamin is completely synthetic and does not occur in nature, but is widely used due to its low price and ease of production. When cyanocobalamin enters the body, it must be converted into active forms. The conversion releases toxic cyanide. Although toxic, the amount is negligible to have clear negative effects and therefore should not be considered a clear side effect.
Another problem with cyanocobalamin occurs when it is absorbed. In order for cyanocobalamin to be used by the body, it must go through a process that removes the cyanide molecule, which requires the antioxidant glutathione. The disadvantage of the deacyanation reaction is the unnecessary use of this valuable antioxidant, as well as the dependence of vitamin B12 metabolism on the availability of glutathione.
Unlike cyanocobalamin, two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 - methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin - are biologically active. They take an active part in metabolic and enzymatic reactions.
Methylcobalamin is pre-methylated, which means it is ready to be absorbed by the body. Methylcobalamin is localized in the cell cytoplasm and is a cofactor in methylation reactions. Adenosylcobalamin is important in the oxidation of fatty acids and the main point of its action is the mitochondria of cells.
Metabolism and absorption of vitamin B 12
in the gastrointestinal tract
Vitamin B12 is bound to food protein and becomes available for absorption once released. The process of vitamin elimination occurs under the influence of hydrochloric acid produced by the gastric mucosa. The released cobalamin binds to the R protein and passes into the duodenum, after which the R protein is removed and the free cobalamin binds to intrinsic factor. Intrinsic Castle factor is formed in the glands of the fundus and body of the stomach; it helps convert B12 into an easily digestible form. Vitamin B12-Castle Factor Complex - Absorbed by the distal ileum and the vitamin enters the bloodstream.
Whey vitamin B12 is bound to transport proteins known as transcobalamins. Most of the vitamin, approximately 80%, is bound to an inactive protein called haptocorin. The active transport protein for vitamin B12 is transcobalamin II, which retains 20% of the vitamin in the bloodstream. Holotranscobalamin delivers vitamin B12 to all cells. Low serum vitamin B12 concentrations may be due to transport protein deficiency, while transcobalamin levels and vitamin B12 status remain normal.
Vitamin B deficiency problem12
The main problem with vitamin B12 is that it is difficult to absorb. Nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 occurs in groups of people who eat only plant foods, minimizing animal products in their diet. Deficiency due to insufficient absorption of vitamin B12 or increased requirements against the background of normal absorption is also common.
A potential risk group includes pregnant women on a vegetarian, vegan or raw food diet.
Elderly people are also a risk group. They are at greater risk of malnutrition due to comorbidities, have difficulty with self-care and food preparation, and tend to suffer from some degree of atrophic gastritis. Inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa tend to increase in frequency with age, which leads to a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid, one of the factors in the absorption of vitamin B12.
Castle factor deficiency -
one of the typical causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. The presence of autoantibodies to Castle factor is the leading cause of pernicious anemia against the background of autoimmune gastritis. Resection of the gastric antrum is also accompanied by a deficiency of vitamin B12.
The absorption of vitamin B12 can be impaired in any inflammatory bowel disease. For example, Crohn's disease, parasitic infestations, bacterial overgrowth syndrome - just a small list of the possible list of ailments.
Consequences of deficiency states
Typical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Disruption of the hematopoietic process with the development of megaloblastic anemia, as well as neurological disorders.
Long-term and chronic deficiency of vitamin B12 is considered as one of the factors in a number of other global medical problems.
The active form of vitamin B12 is directly involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, an independent factor in the development of cardiovascular pathology. By converting homocysteine into methionine, it enhances the synthesis of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), the most important donor of methyl groups in the body.
Assessing vitamin B12 status is part of the dementia screening process. Elevated concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA) are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. In older adults, low vitamin B12 levels and high serum folate concentrations are associated with increased odds of cognitive impairment. On the contrary, in patients with normal vitamin B12 status, high serum folic acid levels have a protective effect on memory, attention, perception, intelligence, etc.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the risk of frailty, which are the leading causes of disability in older people. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. An increased risk of frailty and disability is associated with poor vitamin B12 status.
Low levels of vitamin B12 are considered a potential risk factor for neural tube defects. Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for methionine synthase in the folic acid cycle. When vitamin B12 supply is low, folate remains trapped in the methylation cycle, causing cell replication to fail.
A deficiency of vitamin B 12
can be suspected by such nonspecific symptoms as:
- forgetfulness;
- dizziness;
- pale skin;
- weakness and fatigue;
- tingling in the tips of the fingers and toes.
Laboratory tests can diagnose and confirm deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin B12.
Determination of vitamin B12 deficiency
Traditionally, vitamin B12 status is assessed by serum concentrations, but serum levels alone may not detect subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency or insufficiency.
Methylmalonic acid and homocysteine are recognized indicators of vitamin B12 status. Their measurement is of paramount importance in identifying vitamin B12 deficiency.
MMA is considered a specific indicator of cobalamin metabolism and reflects the availability of adenosylcobalamin in the cell. Homocysteine increases with vitamin B12 deficiency along with a lack of folate and vitamin B. It is the lack of such a coenzyme form as methylcobalamin that provokes an increase in homocysteine levels.
Plasma concentrations of MMA also increase with renal failure, polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), or with the use of certain drugs. Plasma MMA concentrations are elevated in renal failure, which is common in the elderly, so this marker is not appropriate for use in this group of patients.
The use of holotranscobalamin as a marker of vitamin B12 status increases the predictive value of identifying subclinical deficiency states. The level of holotranscobalamin reflects the availability of vitamin B12 to all cells of the body, and its determination is desirable when assessing the status of the vitamin in the body.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a particularly important vitamin for women of childbearing age and older adults, but adequate vitamin B12 status throughout life is necessary for optimal health.
