The brain is a highly specialized organ with specific nutrition requirements. Certain nutrients, such as vitamins, play important roles in various cell functions in the brain and in other tissues of the central nervous system. These vitamins can be obtained naturally from foods or can be taken as supplements. Vitamin deficiency can cause neurological disturbances of varying degrees.
Brain Function
Folic acid is a vitamin necessary to the normal development of the fetal brain and spinal cord, says the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. If a mother has a folic acid deficiency, the fetus's brain may be exposed to outside the body surface, which is a birth defect called anencephaly. Vitamin B-6 is used by adult brain cells for protein metabolism and to make enzymes, dopamine and serotonin. The NIH says it may be involved in the onset of Parkinson's disease, seizures and depression. Another vitamin, B-12 also has various cell functions including making DNA. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, says omega-3 fatty acids, when lacking in the fetus, can cause vision and nerve problems. Its role in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression and schizophrenia is being studied.
Brainstem and Spinal Cord Function
The brainstem and spinal cord are two other structures requiring folic acid for normal fetal development. Deficiency can result in a birth defect called spina bifida, says the NIH, which is when spinal tissue is exposed to the outside of the baby's body. Other conditions may result from vitamin B-12 deficiency and the NIH says they may be related to cell degeneration. These conditions include problems with gait, difficulty with coordination and limb spasticity.
Peripheral Nerve Function
The peripheral nervous system also may be affected by vitamin B-6 insufficiency. This can manifest as neuropathy, which occurs when nerves cannot carry electrical signals effectively, resulting in motor and sensory impairment. The NIH reports that very high or low levels of vitamin B-6 can produce neuropathy, but exactly how this occurs is not known. Neuropathy can also occur with vitamin B-12 insufficiency. The NIH reports that this can manifest as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. More marked insufficiency can be seen as bladder and bowel dysfunction, as well as impotence in men.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
The established RDA for folic acid in pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women is 600 mcg. The RDA for vitamin B-6 is 1.3 mg for people aged 19-50, and 1.5 mg for women and 1.7 mg for men over age 50. The RDA for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg for adults. Omega 3-fatty acids supplements should not exceed 3 grams per day, says the UMMC.
Food Sources
Folic acid is in highest concentrations in fortified breakfast cereals, beef liver, cowpeas, asparagus, spinach, green peas, white rice and broccoli. Vitamin B-6 is in highest concentrations in fortified breakfast cereals and fish, poultry, meat, beans, vegetables and fruits. Vitamin B-12 is in highest concentrations in meats, fish, poultry, milk and eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids are in highest concentrations in fish such as tuna, halibut and salmon and in some nuts and plants.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B6
- 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
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
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