
7 different B-Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B9 and B12)
Vitamins are vital micronutrients that our body needs to maintain many functions and metabolic processes. They are mostly precursors of enzyme components. B vitamins are therefore important in connection with hormone production, influence blood circulation, are involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and contribute to haematopoiesis and healthy nerve function.

B vitamins play a crucial role for the body and brain. Here are some reasons why they are important:

B vitamins play a crucial role for the body and brain. Here are some reasons why they are important:
- Energy production: B vitamins are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. They support the conversion of food into energy, which is essential for optimal brain function.
- Neurotransmitter synthesis: Various B vitamins are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. These messenger substances regulate mood, memory and cognitive function.
- Cell regeneration: B vitamins are important for the formation and repair of cells, including neurones in the brain. They support the production of DNA and RNA, which are necessary for cell growth and renewal.
- Homocysteine regulation: Some B vitamins such as vitamin B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 play a role in the regulation of homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of neurological diseases such as dementia and stroke.
- Protection against oxidative stress: B vitamins act as antioxidants and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is particularly important for the brain as it is susceptible to oxidative stress due to its high energy consumption.
Studies on B-vitamins
Here are some studies looking at B vitamins and their effect on the brain and nerves:
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, doses and efficacy of B vitamins in relation to the brain and cognitive function.
Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. DOI: 10.3390/nu8020068
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This randomised controlled trial investigated the cognitive and clinical outcomes of treatment with B vitamins for mild cognitive impairment and found positive effects on cognitive function.
de Jager, C. A., Oulhaj, A., Jacoby, R., et al. (2012). Cognitive and clinical outcomes of homocysteine-lowering B-vitamin treatment in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(6), 592-600. DOI: 10.1002/gps.2758
- This study investigated the short-term effects of folic acid, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 on memory performance and mood in women of different ages.
Bryan, J., Calvaresi, E., & Hughes, D. (2002). Short-term folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-6 supplementation slightly affects memory performance but not mood in women of various ages. The Journal of Nutrition, 132(6), 1345-1356. DOI: 10.1093/jn/132.6.1345
- This study investigated the effect of vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid on cognitive function in older men and found evidence of positive effects.
Ford, A. H., Flicker, L., Alfonso, H., et al. (2010). Vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid for cognition in older men. Neurology, 75(17), 1540-1547. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f88162
- This study investigated the relationship between vitamin B-12 and folic acid status and cognitive decline in older individuals.
Morris, M. S., Selhub, J., Jacques, P. F. (2012). Vitamin B-12 and Folate Status in Relation to Decline in Scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Framingham Heart Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(8), 1457-1464. DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04052.x
- This study investigated the relationship between low folic acid levels and cognitive decline in elderly patients and the efficacy of folic acid as a treatment to improve memory deficits.
Fioravanti, M., Ferrario, E., Massaia, M., et al. (1997). Low folate levels in the cognitive decline of elderly patients and the efficacy of folate as a treatment for improving memory deficits. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 26(1), 1-13. DOI: 10.1016/S0167-4943(97)00632-4
- This randomised controlled trial investigated the effect of high-dose B-vitamin supplementation on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Aisen, P. S., Schneider, L. S., Sano, M., et al. (2008). High-dose B vitamin supplementation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 300(15), 1774-1783. DOI: 10.1001/jama.300.15.1774
- This randomised controlled trial investigated whether lowering homocysteine with B vitamins can slow accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment.
Smith, A. D., Smith, S. M., de Jager, C. A., et al. (2010). Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 5(9), e12244. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012244
These studies show that B vitamins, particularly folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, may play a role in improving cognitive function, preventing neural tube defects and regulating homocysteine levels.