Vitamin B - an essential vitamin for the body

Vitamin B, especially Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin. This means that the body requires vitamin B12 to work properly. Vitamin B12 can be found in foods such as Meat, Fish, and Dairy products. It is often taken in combination with other B vitamins.

Vitamin B12 is also taken by mouth to avoid memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, to slow aging, and to boost mood, energy, concentration, mental function, and the immune system. It is also used for heart disease, clogged arteries and decreasing the risk of re-clogging arteries after surgery, high triglyceride levels, lowering high homo-cysteine levels (which may contribute to heart disease), male infertility, diabetes, diabetic nerve damage, nerve damage in the hands or feet, sleep disorders, depression, mental disorders, schizophrenia, weak bones (osteoporosis), swollen tendons, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, asthma, allergies, a skin disease called vitiligo, and skin infections.

Best food sources of vitamin B

- Whole grains (brown rice, barley, millet)

- Meat (red meat, poultry, fish)

- Eggs and dairy products (milk, cheese)

- Legumes (beans, lentils)

​- Seeds and nuts (sunflower seeds, almonds)

- Dark, leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kai lan)

- Fruits (citrus fruits, avocados, bananas)

Signs of vitamin B deficiency

The most common signs of vitamin B deficiency, are given below:

- Skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis

- Inflammation of the mouth (oral ulcers)

- Soreness and cracks at the corners of the mouth, chapped lips

- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

- Irritability, confusion and depression.