The central nervous system develops from a small embryonic collection of cells into highly complex structures we know as the brain and spinal cord. This process requires nutrients much the same as other tissues in the body. However, proper growth and development of the brain and spinal cord require very specific nutrients, because without them these structures may malform. In adults, other nutrients are necessary for the brain and spinal cord to function normally.
Folic Acid
Vitamin B-9 is known as folic acid or folate, which is the vitamin's naturally occurring form. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, Office of Dietary Supplements says folic acid is converted to its active state by the liver and is needed by neurons for metabolism and to make DNA. During fetal development, folic acid orchestrates important steps in the formation of the brain and spinal cord. When a pregnant woman lacks folic acid, the baby suffers deformities such as spina bifida or anencephaly. These are malformations causing spinal cord tissue or parts of the brain to be exposed to the baby's skin surface. These birth defects may be prevented if the mother follows the NIH-published recommended dietary daily allowance, or RDA, of 600 mcg for folic acid. Sources of folic acid may be vitamin supplements or foods such as fortified cereals, beef liver, cowpeas and asparagus.
Vitamin B-6
Pyridoxal, pyridoxine and pyridoxamine are all naturally occurring chemical forms of vitamin B-6. The NIH says it is important for making proteins and enzymes in the cell. Vitamin B-6 also is needed for making two brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, which are required for neurons to communicate. The NIH advises that vitamin B-6 deficiency may play a role in the development of depression, seizures and anemia. The RDA of vitamin B-6 for adults aged 19 to 50 is 1.3 mg. For those over age 50, the RDA is 1.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women. Sources of vitamin B-6 may be vitamin supplements or foods such as fortified cereals, baked potatoes, pork loin, garbanzo beans, chicken, trout and salmon.
Vitamin B-12
Another vitamin required for the central nervous system to function normally is vitamin B-12. The NIH says that in neurons it is used in the process of synthesizing DNA. It also is needed to make erythrocytes, which are red blood cells. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness advises that insufficient levels of vitamin B-12 may be the cause of certain neurological problems in adults. These disturbances are first noticed as arm or leg spasticity, problems walking or problems with bowels and the genitourinary system. The adult daily RDA for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg, according to the NIH. Sources of vitamin B-12 are vitamin supplements or foods such as fortified cereals, beef liver, clams, trout, salmon, yogurt and milk.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness: Neurological Manifestations Of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
