What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin B For Men?

The B vitamins generally include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Each plays a key role in the various chemical processes within the body. The B vitamins perform essentially the same functions in both sexes. However, there are certain functions mediated by B vitamins specific to the needs of a man's body. If a man becomes deficient in some B vitamins, the consequences can be severe. They may range from physiological dysfunction to psychological disturbances of varying degrees.

Nervous System

The nervous system of both sexes requires B vitamins for physiological and psychological health. These vitamins are particularly crucial in helping the body cope with stress. In men, managing stress is an important function since males are more likely to commit suicide than females. It is known, for example, that lack of vitamin B1, or thiamine, can cause a man to lose normal cognitive function. The brain communication chemicals dopamine and serotonin are formed using vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The effect of vitamin B6 on these and other brain chemicals may underlie the formation of neurological conditions in men, such as Parkinson's disease, depression and seizures. If a man's diet lacks vitamin B12, or methylcobalamin, striking neurological impairments can result. These include walking disability, leg and arm spasticity and bowel or bladder problems.

Cell Reproduction

The chemical called vitamin B9, or folic acid, is essential to produce and maintain new cells, says the NIH. It is especially important during cell division because it is required to make DNA and RNA, which are necessary building blocks for new cells. In men, however, the NIH says higher doses of vitamin B9 in combination with vitamin B12 may contribute to causing prostate cancer.

Blood Glucose

In men, low blood glucose is not as well-tolerated as in women, so as the man's body goes about its normal daily function and uses energy, it must maintain even blood glucose levels to meet his changing energy demands. Vitamin B6 is crucial to this process. As caloric intake drops, vitamin B6 is used to convert stored carbohydrates and other nutrients into glucose to maintain normal glucose levels. With vitamin B6 insufficiency, this ability is hampered. The NIH states that vitamin B6 supplements do not enhance the ability to regulate blood glucose if the man is already well-nourished.

Other Effects

The American Cancer Society says that some investigations have concluded that vitamin B9, when taken in the recommended amounts, reduces the risk of cancer in both men and women. Metabolizing certain proteins and enzymes is a vital role for vitamin B6, according to the NIH. Vitamin B12, vitamin B9 and vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, are needed to help a man's body fight anemia. The immune system and gastrointestinal tract also require vitamin B5 to maintain normal physiological function. Vitamins B12 and B2, or riboflavin, are required in the process of making blood cells. In men, blood circulation occurs at a higher rate than in women. Therefore, vitamin B1 intake is important because it improves the ability of a man's body to circulate blood effectively.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists the RDA for B vitamins in adult men. The RDA of vitamin B9 is 400 mcg. The RDA of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. The RDA of vitamin B5 is 5 to 10 mg. The RDA of vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg in men 19 to 50 years old, and 1.7 in men over 50. The RDA of vitamin B1 is 1.5 mg. The RDA of vitamin B2 is 1.7 mg.