Which foods contain it: Vitamin B12 is found primarily in meat and dairy products, so strict vegetarians are at risk for a deficiency.
What happens if you don’t get enough: Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to anemia and confusion in elderly people.
Where you get it: B6 can be found in fish, poultry, liver, potatoes, and non-citrus fruit.
Vitamins B1 and B2
What they do: Vitamin B1 is also called thiamin. Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin. These vitamins also help convert food into energy. Vitamin B1 has neurological benefits, and vitamin B2 helps maintain proper eyesight.
Where you get it: Most people get B1 from breakfast cereals and whole grains. B2 also can be found in whole grains, as well as in milk, eggs, and dark green vegetables.
Why you need them: Deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B2 generally don’t pose a problem in the U.S. It can become an issue with alcoholics, however, presenting issues such as confusion and cracks along the sides of the mouth.
Vitamin B9
What it does: Vitamin B9 is also called folic acid. Like most B vitamins, it fosters the growth of red blood cells. But it also reduces the risk of birth defects.
Where you get it: Vitamin B9 can be found in many foods, from meats to grains to citrus fruits.
Why you need it: Without enough B9, a person can develop diarrhea or anemia. Pregnant women with a B9 deficiency could give birth to babies with defects.