The central nervous system requires nutrients for growth and development as well for maintaining healthy adult nervous tissues. Vitamins are one type of nutrient and a healthy brain and spinal cord require the proper amount to function normally. When vitamins are lacking in a fetus or an adult, the result can be one or more serious neurological problems.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, can be found naturally in foods as the chemical folate. This vitamin occurs in abundance in beef liver, cowpeas, spinach, beans, asparagus, peas, broccoli and egg noodles. Fortified breakfast cereals, while not a natural source, contain large quantities of folic acid. The National Institutes of Health says the liver must convert folic acid into its active form before cells can use it. In cells, its main function is making DNA and maintaining cell metabolism. As the embryonic brain and spinal cord develop, folic acid also has a key role in the formation of the neural tube, or rudimentary nervous system. Without adequate folic acid in the maternal diet, the neural tube can become malformed causing the birth defects known as spina bifida and anencephaly. This is when the spinal cord and brain, respectively are exposed to the exterior of the body, causing profound neurological problems. It is for this reason the NIH recommends 600 mg of folic acid in the mother's daily diet.
Vitamin B6
The water-soluble vitamin known as B6 exists naturally in the chemical forms pyridoxamine, pyridoxine and pyridoxal. It is found naturally in baked potato, bananas, garbanzo beans, pork loin, chicken breast, roast beef, sunflower seeds, trout and various vegetables. It is also abundant in fortified breakfast cereals. The NIH says vitamin B6 plays a key role in making enzymes and proteins. It is also involved in making two neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. Parkinson's disease, seizures, headache, depression and chronic pain all my be affected by vitamin B6, according to the NIH. The adult Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for people ages 19 to 50. For people over age 50, the RDA is 1.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 also is water-soluble and can be obtained naturally from beef liver, clams, salmon, trout, haddock, tuna, beef, milk and yogurt. Fortified breakfast cereals are also abundant in this vitamin. Its primary function involves making DNA and red blood cells. In brain cells, deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in a number of problems in the central and peripheral nervous systems, according to Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness. In particular, psychosis and dementia can occur if the brain is deficient in this vitamin. Also, spasticity, coordination problems and walking difficulty can result. Severe deficiency can lead to numbness, weakness and genitourinary problems. The NIH says the adult RDA for vitamin B6 is 2.4 micrograms.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B6
- Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate
