Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is essential for a wide variety of cellular processes.
Although most people can acquire enough of this water-soluble vitamin from their regular diet, supplementation may be necessary for those who don’t.
Vitamin B12, often called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in metabolic processes.
In this piece, we’ll talk about how B6 and B12 might help your brain function better, who’s at risk for a deficit, and what you can do about it.
In What Ways Does Vitamin B6 Help?
It is one of the eight necessary B vitamins.
The body’s metabolism, blood cell production, and cellular health are all dependent on the B vitamin family.
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin B6, for example.
Vitamin B6 may be dissolved in water, and since the body does not retain it, any excess is excreted.
The Role Of Vitamin B6 In Health
Neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers, can’t be made without vitamin B6 (3).
Vitamin B6 is a rate-limiting cofactor in the production of numerous neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, due to its function in amino acid metabolism.
There is less of these neurotransmitters produced if vitamin B6 is in inadequate quantity.
Sleep disruption, impaired focus, and changed efficiency are the results.
Inadequate vitamin B6 levels have been linked to homocysteine accumulation, which may lead to a deterioration in brain function .
The reason for this is because research has linked elevated homocysteine levels to cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident or injury to the brain due to a disruption in blood flow (5).
Melatonin, the hormone responsible for setting the circadian rhythm of the body, may be stimulated by vitamin B6 (6).
Vitamin B6 Supplementation
Vitamin B6 insufficiency is very uncommon, although it may be a problem for some groups of people.
Deficiencies in vitamin B6 can be caused by issues including renal illness, malabsorption syndrome, and excessive alcohol consumption (7, 8, 9).
Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk for vitamin B6 deficiency since they may not eat enough foods that contain the vitamin.
The elderly are vulnerable as well, because their dietary intake may be inadequate on the whole.
Some people might not get enough vitamin B6 from their diets on a regular basis.
Capsule supplements of vitamin B6 may help these people achieve the health advantages their bodies require.
Vitamin 12: What Is It
Vitamin B12 is required for cellular energy generation and DNA synthesis (10).
In other words, it comes from things like milk, beef, and eggs.
They are both B vitamins, like vitamin B6, and necessary for proper enzyme and metabolic activity.
Maintaining healthy DNA in our cells—including those in the brain—is a key function of vitamin B12.
The Role of Vitamin B12 in Good Health
Decreased amounts of vitamin B12 are associated with elevated levels of homocysteine (11).
The result is a shrinking of the brain, called atrophy.
Memory in the elderly may benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation.
As a result, it can slow the development of dementia in the elderly.
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to neurological and mental health problems, according to studies (12).
vitamin b12 injections
Most people don’t get enough vitamin B12 in their diets, and that’s usually because of a shortage of animal foods or a problem with absorption (13).
Low vitamin B12 levels are frequent in those who don’t eat meat, such as vegetarians and vegans.
In the elderly, malabsorption due to a lack of stomach acid is most frequent.
Supplementing with vitamin B12 in the form of a pill or an injection may be helpful for those who either don’t get enough of it in their diet or want more of it to experience the health advantages.
I am Doona F Weiss, a medical science graduate, and health enthusiast. As the author of my health and wellness review blog, I am using my knowledge and experience to provide readers with accurate and unbiased reviews on a variety of health and wellness topics. From supplements to medical treatments, my expert perspective offers valuable insights to help readers make informed decisions. read more