Vitamin B Effects on Appetite
Vitamin B supplementation does not have consistent evidence for increasing appetite in people without deficiency. [1] In deficiency states, loss of appetite can occur, and correcting the deficiency can restore normal appetite. [2]
Evidence for Appetite Stimulation in Nondeficient States
Available evidence has been assessed as insufficient to show that vitamin B1 (thiamine) or vitamin B12 increases appetite or growth in humans who are not deficient. [1]
Vitamin B Deficiency and Appetite Loss
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is associated with loss of appetite. [2]
Practical Clinical Implication
Appetite improvement after “vitamin B” supplementation is most likely when an underlying B-vitamin deficiency exists. [1] [2]
When Further Evaluation Is Indicated
Persistent appetite loss warrants clinical evaluation for alternative causes such as gastrointestinal disease, depression, endocrine disorders, medication effects, or eating-disorder pathology. [2]
Safety Considerations
High-dose B-vitamin supplementation should be avoided without a deficiency indication because excessive dosing can produce adverse effects depending on the specific vitamin and formulation. [2]