You may have heard of both B6 and B12, but did you know that there are 8 B-Vitamins in total? vitamin B is most commonly used to help increase energy, although it plays a significant role in the body’s metabolic and brain function. Taking B-Vitamins regularly can drastically improve your overall health by ensuring your body is working properly at all times.

Types of Vitamin B

With eight main types of vitamin B, it is important to know the difference when choosing a B complex or vitamin regimen that is right for you. The following includes all of the B-Vitamins used to help improve the health of various areas of the body:

• B1 (Thiamin)
• B2 (Riboflavin)
• B3 (Niacin)
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• B6 (Pyridoxine)
• B7 (Biotin)
• B9 (Folate)
• B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Signs and Symptoms of a Vitamin B Deficiency

If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a potential vitamin B deficiency:

• Skin Issues: You may notice skin rashes without any clear explanation. Scaly lips as well as cracks around the mouth are not uncommon among individuals who are deficient in vitamin B.
• Swollen Tongue
• Anemia
• Extreme Weakness/Fatigue
• Increased anxiety, depression, and irritability
• Cognitive impairment/confusion
• Nausea/vomiting in extreme cases
• GI Issues: Diarrhea/constipation and sudden bowel changes may occur
• Stomach/abdominal cramping
• Tingling and numbness in the extremities (most often involving the hands and feet)

Boost Your Body’s Immune System

Taking B2, also known as Riboflavin, is one way to help boost your body’s immune system by protecting your gut, blood cells, and even your skin in working order. While taking B2 is highly recommended to boost your immune system and to prevent a Riboflavin deficiency, it is also useful for breaking down fats, proteins, and carbs after eating to ensure they are metabolized properly and used as energy. B2 also has the ability to alleviate joint and muscle cramps while improving the overall immune system’s function. Find additional B2 in foods such as meats, dairy products, and leafy vegetables.

Hormonal Health

Not only are B-Vitamins optimal to keep your metabolism in check, but they are also useful for those who are seeking to balance their body’s hormone levels. Hormonal health is extremely important, especially during and after puberty. Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic Acid, helps with growth and the body’s ability to produce hormones. It is also used to facilitate the process of breaking down consumed carbohydrates into viable energy. You can also find B5 in various leafy vegetables, beef, chicken, and eggs.

Reverse and Avoid Anemia

B12 has often been referred to as a vitamin that assists with energy levels. However, B12 also plays an important role when it comes to keeping the body’s cells healthy and in full operation. B12 helps the body to ensure your nerve cells are healthy and that your body is capable of building blood cells. When the body struggles to do so, you may experience anemia. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of anemia may include extreme fatigue, confusion, constipation, a loss of appetite, and even weight loss if the deficiency is not addressed. Vitmains-B12 can only be found in abundance in meat which makes supplementation important for anyone following a plant-based diet. Adding B12 to your daily vitamin regimen is a way to reverse the signs and symptoms of anemia.

Reduce Your Risk for Stroke

While B vitamins are known for helping to boost energy levels while maintaining a healthy metabolism, they are also known for reducing the risk of stroke in individuals of all ages. Vitamin B supplements may have the ability to lower the risk of stroke by protecting the body’s blood vessels from clots or from bursts in the brain itself.

Understanding the importance of taking B-Vitamins is essential, regardless of your age, gender, and current lifestyle. By ensuring your body is receiving enough vitamin B, reap the benefits of increased energy, a level metabolism, and a strong immune system.