B vitamins contribute to our overall good health by ensuring our body’s cells are working optimally. We can often get enough B vitamins through food, but diet alone is not always enough, especially when you have type 2 diabetes. Let’s find out more about the benefits of B vitamins and whether additional supplements are sometimes necessary with type 2 diabetes.
What are B vitamins?
There are eight different B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 (folic acid) and B12—and they all contribute to good health. Together, these vitamins help support:
- Healthy cell growth
- Eyesight
- Energy levels
- Brain function
- Digestion
- Proper nerve function
- Cardiovascular health
- Digestion
- Muscle tone
A balanced diet (i.e., dairy, meat, fish, vegetables, whole grains and beans) can usually provide us with a sufficient amount of these vitamins, but some people may also benefit from taking B vitamins in supplement form. A vitamin B complex will contain some of each of the B vitamins mentioned above.
Should I be taking vitamin B if I have diabetes?
Vitamin B12 in particular is essential to maintaining a healthy nervous system and blood cells. But consuming it through diet alone may not be enough if your body isn’t absorbing it. Those with type 2 diabetes who are taking metformin, could be at risk of being vitamin B12 deficient because its absorption is reduced in approximately 6-50% of people who use this medication. Vitamin B12 deficiency tends to occur in those who are taking higher doses of metformin for a longer period of time.
Given that B12 is mostly found in animal products, those consuming vegetarian or vegan diets may also have a higher risk of B12 deficiency. Older adults and those who are pregnant may require higher amounts of certain B vitamins as well.
Not having enough B vitamins can lead to anemia, nerve damage, digestive issues, skin conditions and infections. That’s why it’s important to speak to your doctor or diabetes care team to determine if there are additional B vitamins you should be taking.
Will vitamin B affect my blood sugar?
Excessive amounts of certain B vitamins can cause side effects, so be sure to check with your physician or pharmacist about the right dose for you. High doses of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin or nicotinic acid) for example, can raise blood sugar levels and may also interfere with diabetes and other medications.
Can B vitamins prevent type 2 diabetes?
Yes, some research has shown that taking vitamins B2 and B6 could lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Some studies have found that those who consumed the highest amounts of B2 foods and supplements reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by 10%, while those taking foods and supplements with high amounts of vitamin B6 had an 11% lower risk of developing the disease. Even consuming B12 in supplement form has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
B vitamins are key to our overall health, but sometimes those with type 2 diabetes can be at risk of B vitamin deficiency. Left untreated, this deficiency can lead to health concerns such as nerve damage and skin conditions. Whether through diet and/or the addition of supplements, working with your healthcare team, you can make sure you are getting an optimal amount of B vitamins to best manage your health when you have diabetes.
