A deficiency of Vitamin B8 in the body is almost never related to a problem with consumption, but rather is caused by a problem with the absorption of the nutrient in the intestines. The amount of vitamin B8 needed by the body is 300mcg per day which is easily achieved. Meats, dairy products, whole grains, yeast and most vegetables and fruits contain Vitamin B8 so there isn’t a need to specify certain foods that must be included in the diet in order to avoid a deficiency. The vast majority of cases of Vitamin B8 deficiency are the caused by the lower absorption rates seen in the elderly, alcoholics and those taking sulpha antibiotics for extended periods of time. It is important to note that alcohol not only can prevent proper absorption in the intestines, but also can destroy vitamin B8 in food.
As with most B-complex vitamin deficiencies, Vitamin B8 deficiency causes problems related to its major role in energy production. Fatigue, muscle weakness, depression and diminished mental processing are all common symptoms seen with a Vitamin B8 deficiency. These symptoms are generally vague and can be very modest initially so are easily overlooked.
Probably the most obvious symptoms and first noticed signs of a Vitamin B8 deficiency are rashes on the face, especially around the eyes. Poor skin quality over the entire body is usually present, but the rashes near the eyes are really pronounced. Conjunctivitis is also commonly seen in patients with Vitamin B8 deficiency, which is redness of the white part of the eyes. Along with poor skin quality, hair quality is also very diminished in vitamin B8 deficiency. There are three different signs related to hair quality that can be seen in a Vitamin B8 deficiency. These are loss of color, dry and brittle hair, or complete hair loss.
The final major symptom of Vitamin B8 deficiency is often overlooked. This is a greatly increased rate of bacterial and fungal infections. This happens for a few reasons. First, energy is required by the immune system. Next, Vitamin B8 is needed by the immune system direction in order to mount an immune response. Finally, because one of the primary symptoms of a Vitamin B8 deficiency is poor skin quality, this often diminishes the ability of the skin to act as a barrier to infection.
Vitamin B8 deficiency is rarely caused by a lack of Vitamin B8 in the body, instead the major cause is usually something that inhibits the body from absorbing Vitamin B8 from food as it passes through the intestines. The most common reasons for this are old age, alcoholism or the side effects of sulpha antibiotics. The major symptoms of a deficiency are poor skin quality, especially in the face along with fatigue and other related energy depletion symptoms. Finally, because Vitamin B8 is so crucial to the immune system, a drastic increase in bacterial and fungal infections can be seen.
