Humans may technically only need water, food and oxygen to survive - but as we all know, living a healthy life goes beyond those fundamentals. And for most of us, it involves intentionally incorporating nutrients into our regular diet. Vitamins B6 and B12 are two of essential compounds that we often don’t consume enough of on our own.
If you are feeling tired, short on energy, or even depressed, a deficiency of vitamins B6 and/or B12 may be to blame. Both are key aids in the health and function of the brain, neurological system, and immune system.
Vitamin B6's Function, Dosage, and Deficiency Impact
Many internal processes rely on vitamin B6, including brain growth and function, neurological processing, and immune system development. The mechanism of these impacts is partially B6’s role in the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells, and antibodies, which are used to fight off infections. Vitamin B6 also supports the absorption and breakdown of nutrients such as protein and carbs, which provides energy to the body and helps to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.
The amount of vitamin B6 that should be ingested each day varies depending on age and gender. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that men and women between the ages of 19 and 50 consume at least 1.3 mg of vitamin B6 each day. When a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, the recommended daily dose rises to 1.9 and 2.0 milligrams, respectively.
A lack of vitamin B6 can result in a variety of symptoms. Physically, you may feel weak and weary, develop itchy rashes and scaly skin, and become more prone to illness. In addition to physical symptoms, depression and bewilderment may occur.
Vitamin B12's Function, Dosage, and Deficiency Impact
Vitamin B12 is essential because it aids in the formation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA contains the genetic information that allows cells to grow and operate, whereas RNA is the messenger that transports DNA's instructions. Furthermore, vitamin B12 (like vitamin B6) aids in optimal brain function, nerve cell health, and red blood cell development. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia which causes fatigue.
The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B12 also varies according to age and gender. The National Institutes of Health recommends at least 2.4 milligrams of vitamin B12 per day for males and females over the age of 14. Pregnant women should consume 2.6 micrograms per day, while nursing mothers should consume 2.8 micrograms per day.
If you don't get enough B12, you may experience weariness, nervousness, and dizziness. You may also experience digestive issues, as well as numbness and tingling in your fingers and toes. Mentally and emotionally, you may become confused, forgetful, and melancholy. People with severe, long-term vitamin B12 insufficiency may experience mobility and walking difficulties, as well as memory loss.
Combining B6 & B12 with CBD
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in the cannabis plant that offers a range of potential benefits.
Some of the well-researched benefits of taking CBD include alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms, pain relief and inflammation, reduction of cancer-associated symptoms, and protection against neurological diseases. CBD may also enhance the balance of body and mind, support memory and cognitive function, and act as a focus aid.
Although further medical research is required, the combination of CBD, Vitamins B6, and B12 has promising potential. All of our existing knowledge suggests that their collective properties could promote effective overall brain function while boosting energy levels.