Vitamins B6 and B12 are crucial in various cell processes throughout the body. They are also important to the normal functioning of all cells, including those of the central and peripheral nervous systems. These vitamins are available from a number of natural food sources and can also be obtained by supplementing the daily diet.
Brain Dysfunction
A major role of vitamin B6 is the manufacture of enzymes for protein metabolism. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, says this vitamin also is responsible for making the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Deficiency in vitamin B6 is being investigated for its role in depression, seizures, chronic pain, headaches and Parkinson's disease. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining normal cell function and DNA synthesis. According to the Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness, deficiency in this vitamin can result in brain problems such as psychosis and dementia.
Spinal Cord Dysfunction
Vitamin B12 is involved in a number of chemical pathways in the cell, making this vitamin crucial to many cell processes, according to the NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements. Therefore, deficiency of vitamin B12 in the spinal cord can be profound. Severe deficiency of this vitamin can result in degeneration of spinal cord neurons. This may produce problems such as spasticity, difficulty walking and loss of coordination in the limbs.
Peripheral Nerve Dysfunction
Vitamin B6 deficiency can produce neuropathy, a dysfunction of the sensory and motor components of peripheral nerves. However, high doses of vitamin B6 can also be the cause of neuropathy, so its functionality is being researched, according to the NIH. Vitamin B6 was once regarded as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but studies have not proven its effectiveness for this condition. In peripheral nerves, deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to weakness or numbness in the arms and legs. Also, deficiency may result in dysfunction of the bowel or urinary systems, and may lead to impotence in men.
Recommended Daily Allowance
The Office of Dietary Supplements of the NIH says the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for adults under age 50. For adults over age 50, the RDA is 1.5 mg for women and 1.7 mg for men. The RDA for vitamin B12 in adults is 2.4 micrograms, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Food Sources
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble nutrient found naturally in foods such as fish, poultry, meats, vegetables, fruit and beans. Oral supplements and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals are also good sources, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 is also a water-soluble nutrient found naturally in foods such as meats, fish, poultry, milk products and eggs, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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