Disease from lack of vitamin b
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Diseases Resulting from Lack of Vitamin B
Introduction to Vitamin B Deficiency
Vitamin B deficiency is a significant health concern that can lead to a variety of diseases and health complications. The B vitamins, including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B8 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), and B12 (Cobalamin), play crucial roles in maintaining cellular function, energy metabolism, and neurological health. Deficiencies in these vitamins can result in a range of clinical manifestations, from mild symptoms to severe diseases.
Neurological Impairments and Vitamin B Deficiency
Neurological Manifestations in Adults
Vitamin B deficiency is a leading cause of neurological impairments and disabilities worldwide. Deficiencies in multiple B vitamins often coexist, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of related neurological disorders. Populations at higher risk include the elderly, individuals with alcoholism, patients with heart failure, those who have undergone obesity surgery, and vegetarians/vegans. Subclinical chronic B vitamin deficiency has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Neurodevelopmental Issues in Infants
Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants can lead to a cluster of neurological symptoms, including irritability, failure to thrive, apathy, anorexia, and developmental regression. These symptoms respond rapidly to supplementation. The underlying mechanisms may involve delayed myelination or demyelination of nerves, alterations in the S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio, imbalances of neurotrophic and neurotoxic cytokines, and accumulation of lactate in brain cells.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Complications
Patients who undergo bariatric surgery are at risk of developing neurological disorders due to vitamin B deficiencies. Common manifestations include paresthesia, muscle weakness, abnormal gait, and polyneuropathy. In severe cases, patients may develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which can result in persistent neurological symptoms despite treatment.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Vitamin B Deficiency
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Atherosclerosis
Vitamin B deficiencies, particularly in B9 (Folate) and B12, are significant factors in childhood hyperhomocysteinemia, which can initiate the development of subclinical atherosclerosis. Elevated homocysteine levels are an independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adolescents with vitamin B12 deficiency exhibit a strong correlation between homocysteine levels and markers of atherosclerosis, such as increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).
Cardiovascular Risks in the Elderly
In older adults, low levels of folate and related B vitamins are linked to a higher risk of degenerative diseases, including CVD. These deficiencies can cause perturbations in one-carbon metabolism, which is crucial for DNA and RNA biosynthesis and the maintenance of methylation reactions. Optimizing B vitamin status through dietary interventions may help prevent these diseases.
Other Health Implications of Vitamin B Deficiency
Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Vitamin B deficiency is also associated with poor clinical outcomes in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Factors such as inadequate glycemic control, obesity, metabolic acidosis, and malnutrition contribute to the progression of DKD. Deficiencies in B vitamins can exacerbate these conditions, highlighting the need for further research to address knowledge gaps in this area.
Sickle Cell Disease
In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), low levels of vitamin B12 are common across all age groups. Despite these low levels, total homocysteine concentrations remain normal. Given the pivotal role of vitamin B12 in cellular metabolism and erythropoiesis, more studies are needed to better detect clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency in SCD patients.
Conclusion
Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to a wide range of health issues, from neurological impairments and cardiovascular diseases to complications in chronic conditions like DKD and SCD. Early detection and management of these deficiencies are crucial for preventing severe health outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and develop effective interventions for those at risk.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic