Vitamin B

May 14, 2020

There are two B vitamins in particular that can prevent illnesses and help you lead a healthier life.

alt tagfunctional health coach digestionThese are vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. While many people are aware of the positive benefits of vitamins C and E, less people know about the strength of these two B vitamins. However, the amazing thing about these two B vitamins is that they are now being proven to help specifically prevent deterioration of both your brain and your immune system. So vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 are definitely two supplements that will compliment the other vitamins you may be taking.

This is especially true when it comes to brain function. As you age, your stomach progressively secretes fewer acids that are necessary to absorb vitamin B12 from food into your system. A vitamin B12 deficiency can develop over the years and may start affecting the brain and the nervous system. If this occurs, dementia and other psychiatric disorders are likely to be the result. Since recent studies have shown that at least 20% of people over 60 are not getting enough B12, this may be cause for concern to older people. The sooner a B12 deficiency is detected, the better. Delaying treatment for even a year can mean permanent damage if neurological symptoms show up.

Vitamin B12 supplements are important to take because even with less stomach acid, the crystalline form of vitamin B12 can still be absorbed into the system at a regular rate. Since vitamin B12 deficiencies can start as early as 30, there’s no reason not to take a B12 supplement or a multivitamin if you aren’t eating healthy. As far as foods go, Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal foods such as meat, chicken, fish, and dairy products. So vegetarians should be especially aware of their vitamin B12 intake and learn more about the benefits of these supplements.

Unlike B12, vitamin B6 is stronger on the immune system.
Vitamin B6 is good for raising the levels of T-cells, T-helper cells, and antibodies: all disease fighting substances of the immune system. Incredibly though, a lack of vitamin B6 intake is even more widespread than B12. Americans actually take in 50-75% less than the recommended dietary allowance of B6, which can lower the production of antibodies necessary for the immune system to function properly. Even more alarming is that as people near age forty, the body begins to absorb vitamin B6 less efficiently, further lowering levels of B6.

If you don’t get enough B6, you may be more vulnerable to other medical conditions as well. Besides a failing immune system, you may also suffer form a declining mental status, compromised heart health, and maybe even cancer. Vitamin B6 supplements can help fight against enzymes that can destroy blood vessels. Vitamin B6 supplements have also been proven to improve long term memory and slow down age-related memory decline.

Thankfully, the right amount of vitamins B12 and B6 are found in a standard multivitamin. If you are under 40, typically this dosage should correct any vitamin B deficiencies. There’s no guarantee, but 6 micrograms of B12 and 3 milligrams of Vitamin B6 should be enough to correct any vitamin B deficiency. If you are over 40 and suffering a deficiency, a higher dosage is recommended. There is no danger in high doses when taking B vitamins; however, when taking any supplement for medical reasons, you should always consult a doctor.

Recent Posts

Archives

well humans logo

Fix Your Gut and Feel Your Best

carla alpert functional medicine practitioner

Hello and Welcome! My name is Carla Alpert, and I’m a Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Diagnostic Practitioner, focusing on the gut and how it affects your overall health. Think of me as a health detective and wellness coach working in partnership with you to restore your health. We work together to uncover the contributing factors to your chronic symptoms, to eat well, sleep well, move more and stress less.

I love the GI MAP test because it helps my clients and I discover gut dysfunction that may be contributing to daily digestive issues as well as other chronic symptoms like anxiety, fatigue and brain fog. I created this GI MAP Coaching Package to help you stop struggling with your health and get back to living your best life.

functional medicine health coaching logos

What Clients Are Saying

Carla really helped me to figure out my gut pain and issues after so many years. I finally feel like I have energy and clarity around my health! She was so easy to talk to and helped me discover problem areas that were causing me so much distress, when no other doctors could help.
VICTORIA

Well Humans changed my life. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis accompanied by chronic hives. It sprang up out of nowhere and caused bizarre “food allergies” that I’d never had before. Because of Carla’s coaching and dietary recommendations as well as GI Map testing, I can happily say that I am now symptom-free, and I have been in remission for over a year now. All of the doctors I saw told me I would have to deal with my symptoms because there was no cure, but here I am, back to living a mostly normal life. I highly recommend Carla and Well Humans for anyone looking for real answers and treatments that work.
KALYN

When working with Carla, you are in capable, compassionate, knowledgeable and caring hands. Carla truly cares about your well being and wants to help you be the healthiest that you can be. My health was truly suffering and with her guidance and suggested testing, we uncovered some issues that nobody else had uncovered, despite my going to some of the top rated medical institutions. My health and pain improved greatly due to Carla’s sleuthing…she knew where to look. Through many health challenges, I was quite emotional and Carla showed me what compassion looks like. If you want to truly improve your health, start with Well Humans.
BETH

Over years, I’ve tried various “alternative” medicine as well as conventional “western” medicine approaches. Skin ailments are hard to treat – so many aspects of a life can produce skin symptoms. I enthusiastically recommend Well Humans and Carla for a simple reason – I’ve experienced sustained, substantial improvement! I have hardly ever posted a review of anything, but writing this was an easy choice to make. I wish you all the best in your journey towards better health!
JON

I searched the U.S. to find someone who does what Carla does. Carla has used her knowledge, support and expertise to optimize my health and well-being with a blend of scientific medical tests, supplements and diet changes. I wasted a lot of time on my hunches, the internet and experiments with supplements and food and NOW i have an actual plan. Superb supportive knowledge and guidance. I highly recommend Carla. Grateful.
LISA

I never knew that I had a gluten allergy and intolerance until Carla discovered it in my blood work! I’m so grateful that she made this discovery and I have been gluten free ever since. I sleep better, don’t feel bloated and have much more energy. It was a life-changing insight.
ROB

Carla is very knowledgeable and kind. She helped me navigate a health issue with grace and the utmost care. Carla goes above and beyond with her clients and I highly recommend her. She genuinely cares!
ALLISON

I have been working with Carla for quite some time and she has helped me turn my life and health around. She is non-judgmental, and always wants the best for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a fantastic bedside manner. She has truly changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful for everything she has done.
ROB

Pin It on Pinterest