Get Enough Vitamin B Today? All Kinds?
To B or Not ...
You definitely should. Without enough B12 (and folate), for example, you can become tired, weak, constipated, or depressed. And that’s just one of the kinds of vitamin B you need. For a big hit of vitamin B12, try clams or beef liver.
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Vitamin B6
Without enough of this B, you may get sick more often and feel depressed or confused. You may also get scaly, cracked lips. You only need a small amount of it each day, though, and most of us get that. If you want to make sure, your best bets are chickpeas, tuna, and -- surprise -- beef liver.
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B1 (Thiamin)
Your body may not absorb enough of this if you often have more than a few drinks. Without it, you may have weakness, fatigue, and even brain damage. It can also lead to psychosis. So get your B1. Enriched rice, trout, and black beans are good sources.
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B2 (Riboflavin)
Most Americans get plenty of riboflavin. That's a good thing, because a serious lack of it can damage your liver and nervous system. For the most per bite, eat a big plate of beef liver. Can’t do it? Milk, yogurt, and beef are good second choices.
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B3 (Niacin)
Niacin helps your digestion, skin, and nerves work the way they should. It also helps change food to energy. You can get it from milk, eggs, rice, and fish. But don’t overdo it. Too much can cause liver damage, peptic ulcers, and skin rashes.
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B7 (Biotin)
A lack of B7 can lead to skin rashes, hair loss, high cholesterol, and heart problems. You can find it in cauliflower, salmon, carrots, bananas, soy flour, cereals, and yeast.
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Folic Acid (Folate)
This is an important member of the B vitamin family -- especially if you’re pregnant, because it can help prevent certain birth defects. Folic acid is the lab version of folate, which is naturally found in foods. Whip up some spinach and black-eyed peas to get some in your diet.
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Sources Medically Reviewed on 06/24/2018 Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on June 24, 2018
IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
1) Caiaimage / Agnieszka Wozniak / Getty Images
2) vertmedia / Thinkstock
3) Sam Diephuis / Getty Images
4) vkuslandia / Thinkstock
5) Pixland / Thinkstock
6) Kwangmoozaa / Thinkstock
7) Sebastian Pfuetze / Getty Images
SOURCES:
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
National Center for Biotechnology Information: “Thiamin(e): the spark of life.”
MedlinePlus: “Drugs and Supplements.”
Mayo Clinic: “Drugs and Supplements.”
Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on June 24, 2018
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
