Pg.no. 64
A lack of B12 causes pernicious anemia with the symptoms of extreme tiredness, lack of
energy, pins and needles (paraesthesia), sore and red tongue, muscle weakness,
depression, problems with memory, understanding and judgment.
Thiamin
Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps the body's cells convert carbohydrate into energy.
Carbohydrates provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system.
Thiamin also plays a role in muscle contraction and conduction of nerve signals.
A lack of thiamin is called beriberi and can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis and nerve
damage.
Whilst it is not very common, alcoholics are most at risk of thiamin deficiency
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2.
It is important for keeping skin, eyes and the nervous system healthy, helping the body
release energy from the food we eat.
A deficiency of riboflavin can cause a sore throat, cheilosis (lesions on the lips), angular
stomatitis (lesions on the angles of the mouth), glossitis (fissured and magenta-colored
tongue), corneal vascularisation, dyssebacia (red, scaly, greasy patches on the nose,
eyelids, scrotum, and labia), and normocytic, normochromic anemia.
Niacin
Niacin is also known as vitamin B3.
Niacin is important for helping the body to release energy from the foods we eat, and
helping to keep the nervous systems and skin healthy.
Taking too much niacin for too long can cause liver damage.
Folate
Folate, or folic acid, works with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells, whilst also
helping to reduce the risk of central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida in unborn
babies, which is why maintaining a healthy amount is important during pregnancy.
A lack of folate can lead to folate deficiency anemia, which causes tiredness (caused by
anemia), weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. A deficiency of folate can
also cause headaches, heart palpitations, a sore tongue and behavioral disorders.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5.
Pantothenic acid has several functions, such as helping to release energy from the food we
eat.