Constipation or Diarrhea
Vitamin B deficiency can cause anemia and diarrhea but can also lead to other symptoms that aren’t as obvious. For example, a vitamin B deficiency can cause constipation, characterized by the slow movement of stools through the colon.
Bacteria in the gut normally break down food into components our bodies can use. One of these components, fecal fat, is absorbed by the body and used to fuel cells that produce energy. However, if there are not enough bacteria in the gut to break down food, then fecal fat can build up in the colon instead of being absorbed and used for energy. Over time, the colon becomes so full of unabsorbed fecal fat that it can’t move food along quickly enough, leading to constipation.
Constipation should be considered a sign of vitamin B deficiency because B vitamins are necessary for maintaining healthy levels of bacteria in the gut. Without enough bacteria to break down food, it becomes difficult for your body to absorb all of the nutrients from your diet, and one of those nutrients might be vitamin B12.
