ALTHOUGH B vitamins are found in many foods, there are a few groups of people who could benefit from taking additional vitamin B supplements. This includes older adults, those who have celiac disease, and those who follow a vegan diet.

If you suspect that you’re deficient in one of the eight B vitamins, it’s likely that you’ve experienced a few unfavorable symptoms. Below, we outline four positive effects you could experience from taking a B-complex supplement.

1. It may reduce tingling in hands or feet.

There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing tingling in your hands, feet, or both. For example, when you experience tingling or numbness, it could be a sign that you have prediabetes, which occurs when the body has higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

However, a less severe cause for tingling or numbness in the hands or feet may be a vitamin B12 deficiency. Inadequate consumption of B12 (found primarily in meat and animal byproduct) is known to cause a “pins and needles” sensation in both the hands and feet. This is because vitamin B12 helps to produce a substance called myelin, which acts as a protective coating for nerves and enables them to transmit sensations. Without this shield, nerves can become damaged.

2. It may treat mouth ulcers.

Ulcers can pop up on your tongue, gums, or on the inside of your mouth. While mouth ulcers usually don’t need treatment, they can be quite painful — especially if you eat acidic fruits such as oranges, lemon, and grapefruit or something spicy. One way to decrease the pain and accelerate the healing process is to take vitamin B6 and B12 supplements.

3. It reduces the risk of birth defects.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), folic acid (vitamin B9) can help reduce birth defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. A baby is diagnosed with spina bifida when its spine doesn’t develop correctly, which can ultimately lead to severe physical disabilities. Anencephaly is equally as serious, as it’s a condition in which the baby’s brain and skull do not form correctly. To prevent these serious birth defects, the CDC recommends that pregnant women take a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

4. Your energy levels may increase.

Did you know a vitamin B deficiency could be the reason you constantly feel fatigued? Vitamin B12 deficiency lowers red blood cell count which could result in extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. Eating more meat, fish poultry, and eggs could solve this issue. However, a vitamin B12 supplement may be the most effective route, especially if you follow a plant-based diet.

(SD-Agencies)