NPN | The A-Z of Vitamins: Vitamin B

Vitamin B

You might have heard of Vitamin B Complex before - referring to the group of B Vitamins that have a crucial job in your body’s functions - in particular, your cardiovascular and cell health. Making sure you get enough Vitamin B is important, and luckily you’ll get everything you need from a nutritious diet - but if you’re not getting your daily recommended amount, the consequences can be pretty unpleasant.

If you’re suffering from the following symptoms, it might be a sign that you’re not getting enough Vitamin B:

  • Skin Rashes

  • Cracks around the mouth or scaly skin on your lips

  • Swollen tongue

  • Fatigue, weakness or anemia

  • Confusion, Irritability or Depression

  • Nausea, abdominal cramps, constipation or diarrhea

  • Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands


These could also be symptoms of other issues, so if you’re not sure why you’re experiencing them, it’s always a good idea to speak to a medical professional - visit your local pharmacy in the first instance for a conversation, so the pharmacist can get an idea of your situation and potentially help you get an appointment with a doctor if there is an underlying condition which requires more serious attention.

B vitamins help you stay healthy and maintain your well-being - they have a direct impact on things like brain function, energy levels and the health of your cells - when you’re getting enough vitamin B, your digestion and appetite will be healthy, and your body will be able to take care of things like your hormones and cholesterol production, your eyesight and your muscle tone.

Where can you find Vitamin B Complex?

Luckily, plenty of foods contain B vitamins, so it’s easy enough to get what you need through your diet. As long as you’re eating plenty of vegetables, whole grains, meat and fish, in addition to dairy products, you should be fine. You can also find B vitamins in soy products, nuts and seeds, so if you’re vegetarian or vegan, it should still be possible to get what you need from your diet.

However, if you’re struggling to get enough on a daily basis, there are supplements available which you can add to your routine. You’re more likely to need supplements if you’re aged 50 or older, have chronic health conditions, or are pregnant. If you eat a strictly meat-free diet, supplements can help you meet your daily recommended intake.

You should only buy supplements from a trusted, reputable brand - so it’s worth paying a visit to your local pharmacy for advice on which supplements you need, and how to take them to get the most out of your new supplement regime.

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Before poor health and infections get the better of you, check out your nearest chemist and have a chat with a friendly pharmacist to get to grips with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at full capacity on a daily basis.