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VITAMIN B CHEATSHEET
Each B vitamin has a wildly different job in your body, and deficiency symptoms that look nothing alike.
Knowing which B you're actually missing changes everything:
1) B1 (Thiamine)
This is the energy vitamin.
Thiamine converts every carb you eat into ATP. When it's low, your brain runs on fumes first.
You'll notice persistent fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and memory problems before it gets worse.
Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and beans are your best sources.
Best supplement forms: Benfotiamine or TTFD (better absorption than thiamine HCl).
If supplementing high-dose B1, combine with a B-complex plus ample magnesium and potassium. B1 requires magnesium to activate properly.
Some may need molybdenum as well.
Also, don’t supplement B1 with coffee, it can interfere with absorption.
2) B2 (Riboflavin)
This one powers your mitochondria and processes other B vitamins.
Deficiency is visible: cracks at the corners of your mouth, sore throat, swollen tongue, red itchy eyes.
Eggs, organ meats, and fish fix it fast.
Best supplement form: R5P (riboflavin-5-phosphate)
3) B3 (Niacin)
Niacin fuels over 400 enzymes in your body.
Severe deficiency causes pellagra: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
Early signs show up as skin rashes that worsen in the sun, mouth sores, digestive issues, and confusion.
Best sources are turkey, tuna, beef, liver, etc.
4) B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
B5 forms coenzyme A, required for fatty acid metabolism and cortisol synthesis in your adrenals.
Deficiency is rare (it's everywhere in food), but symptoms include fatigue, irritability, burning/numbness in hands and feet.
Mushrooms, avocados, poultry are rich sources. RDA is only 5 mg/day.
5) B6 (Pyridoxine)
B6 makes serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. When it's low, your mood tanks.
You'll notice irritability, confusion, weakened immunity, and neurological symptoms.
Tuna, salmon, chickpeas, and bananas are loaded with it.
Best supplement form: P5P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
6) B7 (Biotin)
Biotin supports keratin production and metabolizes fats and carbs.
True deficiency is extremely rare, but causes thinning hair, red scaly rashes (especially around eyes/nose/mouth), brittle nails.
Liver has 30 mcg per 3 oz. Eggs have 10 mcg. AI is 30 mcg/day—beauty supplements often push 2,500–5,000 mcg with no evidence of benefit.
7) B9 (Folate)
Folate builds your DNA and red blood cells. Deficiency causes anemia.
In pregnancy, low folate leads to neural tube defects. That's why grain fortification was mandated in the 1990s.
Spinach, broccoli, and legumes are rich sources.
Important note: Folic acid fortification in processed foods isn’t the same as natural folate.
Synthetic folic acid must be converted to active folate via DHFR and MTHFR enzymes.
People with MTHFR gene variants may struggle with this conversion, risking unmetabolized folic acid accumulation.
Choose methylated folate (5-MTHF) supplements instead.
8) B12 (Cobalamin)
B12 protects your nerves and maintains myelin. Deficiency causes anemia and permanent nerve damage if ignored.
Early symptoms include fatigue and memory problems. It worsens into numbness and tingling in your hands and feet.
B12 exists only in animal foods. Vegans and older adults need supplements.
Best supplement forms: Methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin (avoid cyanocobalamin)
"What about the B-complex Ben?"
Take a B-complex for general energy and stress support. They work synergistically in metabolism.
Take individual B vitamins if you suspect a specific deficiency (B12 for vegans, B6 for anemia).
Always take B vitamins in the morning with breakfast. They support energy metabolism and may be stimulating at night.
Food improves absorption and reduces stomach upset.
How to know if you're vitamin B-deficient?
Key markers for understanding functional B-vitamin deficiency:
Blood levels can appear normal while your tissues still lack adequate B vitamins at the cellular level.
More accurate markers include:
- B12: Homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, FIGLU
- B9: Homocysteine, FIGLU
- B6: Xanthurenic acid
- B1: Pyruvate, lactate, branched-chain keto acids
Common causes of B-vitamin depletion:
> Low stomach acid or long-term PPI use (especially B12: absorption requires intrinsic factor and stomach acid; H. pylori can also drive deficiency)
> High alcohol intake (depletes thiamine, folate, B6)
> Birth control pills (deplete B2, B6, B9, B12)
> SIBO, dysbiosis, or gut inflammation
> High oxidative stress
> Genetic variants (MTHFR, MTRR, TCN2, SLC19A1)
Watch for: unexplained fatigue and low energy, brain fog or memory issues, mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression), anemia (pale skin, weakness), tingling or numbness in hands/feet, skin changes (rash, cracked lips, brittle nails), frequent infections.
B vitamins are not a one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your diet, health status, medications, and genetics.
Start with whole food sources, supplement strategically when needed, and work with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist despite normal blood work.