The nervous system is composed of two primary branches: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The former consists of the brain and spinal cord. It controls the essential, nonvoluntary actions of the human body such as heartbeat and respiration. The foods you eat can play a direct role in central nervous system function. Certain vitamins serve specific functions that are vital, making your diet a primary source of brain food.
Biotin
Biotin helps central nervous system function by assisting in the production of cholesterol in the body. While excess levels are harmful, cholesterol is essential for the formation of hormones and cell membranes. The brain produces cholesterol independent from the rest of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit nerve impulses. A 2009 study by Iowa State University identified the mechanism for neurotransmitter synthesis and cholesterol, providing further evidence of the beneficial role of cholesterol in brain function.
Vitamin B6
Like biotin, vitamin B6 is essential for the production of neurotransmitters, specifically, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Serotonin regulates sleep, mood and appetite. Dopamine helps control attention and learning. Norepinephrine is a precursor to epinephrine, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure, especially in stressful or fight-or-flight situations. It also assists central nervous system function through energy production and oxygen delivery by red blood cells.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 serves an essential function in energy production, which is required by all cells for the body to function. It is also important for metabolism. Vitamin B12 serves a behind-the-scenes role in central nervous system function and due to its part in chemical reactions. A deficiency can damage the protective covering of cranial and spinal nerves, making it vital for the central nervous system. However, the exact mechanism behind this function is not well understood.
Vitamin D
One of the primary sources of vitamin D is sun exposure. Your time in the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D in your skin that can in turn provide health benefits to the body. Deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked to several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers and psychiatric disorders. A 2009 study by the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center in California concluded that because of vitamin D's role in dementia risk factors, deficiencies may impair brain function. A 2010 study by the CHU de Tours et Université François Rabelais in France supported these conclusions, calling for further study into its role in Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
References
- Neuroscience for Kids: Divisions of the Nervous System
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora, et al.; 2005
- Medline Plus; Vitamins; March 2009
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"; A Scissors Mechanism for Stimulation of SNARE-Mediated Lipid Mixing by Cholesterol; J. Tong, et al.; February 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin B6; Victoria J. Drake; November 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin B12; Victoria J. Drake; August 2007
