Vitamin B12 & Your Brain

According to ongoing research, Vitamin B12 can play many important roles in your overall health. And some of these potential benefits are also linked to cognitive health and support.* So yeah—it can be quite beneficial.

The challenge with B12? Some groups of people (especially seniors and those with specific dietary restrictions) may not get enough of this nutrient from diet alone.*

Many may choose to supplement to fill the nutritional gap, but there’s a caveat. Here’s what you need to know:

Cyanocobalamin vs Methylcobalamin (and why does it matter).

It’s no secret that Vitamin B12 supplements are pretty common nowadays. Most nootropics, multivitamins (and other dietary supplements) contain B12. But, if you carefully read nootropic labels, you will likely notice Vitamin B12 listed as either Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin.

Did you know?

We sometimes use synthesized nutrients in our advanced nootropics—when the lab-made form is chemically identical to the naturally sourced form, but it may offer additional benefits in terms of potency, purity, and bioavailability.* 

When it comes to these two forms of Vitamin B12, we opted for Methylcobalamin.

While an important nutrient, your body can't produce B12 on its own.

B12 is a water-soluble nutrient, meaning your body doesn't store excess amounts. So, you need a steady supply of B12 to perform essential processes like normal nerve function and energy production.*

An ally for your Head [1st Brain] & Central Nervous System (CNS).

Take the Central Nervous System—the intricate network of neurons and cells. It's the body's communication ‘highway,’ transmitting signals between all three brains:

• Head [1st Brain]: The head-brain is the main control center. It sends and receives messages through the spinal cord and nerves to different parts of the body. This is like the central hub of the communication highway.
• Heart [2nd Brain]: The heart has its own mini-brain, called the cardiac brain. This is a network of neurons in the heart that can sense, feel, learn, and remember. The CNS communicates with the heart through the Autonomic Nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary actions. The ANS has two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (prepares the body for action) and the parasympathetic nervous system (calms the body down). These systems help regulate heart rate and other heart functions.
• Gut [3rd Brain]: The gut also has its own mini-brain (home to about 500 million neurons), known as the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). What’s truly amazing is that ENS can operate independently of the head-brain. The ENS controls digestion and communicates with the CNS through the vagus nerve. This two-way communication means the head-brain can influence gut function and the gut can send signals back to the head-brain, affecting mood and overall well-being.*

Vitamin B12 may also benefit the CNS through its role in myelin sheath production.¹ The myelin sheath is a protective covering around the nerves (much like insulation around a wire).*

Its role? To help electrical signals travel efficiently along the nerves. Without a healthy myelin sheath, these signals can be disrupted, leading to a range of neurological challenges.*

Needed to produce serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood.*

Vitamin B12 may play a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters—chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each other.² A good example is serotonin, often called the 'feel good hormone.'*

According to research, low Vitamin B12 levels may be linked to serotonin imbalance, which may contribute to overall lower mood health.*^3,4,5

It's good for your eyes, too!*

Visual accommodation—the ability to shift focus from near to far— is often impaired by long hours in front of a screen. However, our eyes may find an ally in Vitamin B12 against the damaging artificial blue light.*

Your body may send signals when you are not getting enough Vitamin B12.

(!) Vitamin B12 deficiencies are rare in the United States, but vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk.

Now, sometimes deficiency can be challenging to notice. But, your body may typically send some 'distress signals' to point out something's wrong. For example, insufficient Vitamin B12 intake could be linked to various health concerns, including fatigue.*⁶

Having difficulties in meeting B12 requirements? A quality nootropic may help address deficiencies.

In today's busy world, Vitamin B12 may not be at the top of your mind as you navigate daily life. One simple way to take the guesswork out of trying to sustain Vitamin B12 intake is to opt for a quality nootropic (or a multivitamin) that contains a highly bioavailable form of this essential nutrient.

This is where our HCF® advanced nootropics may help fill the gap. We design our nootropics to nourish not only the Head [1st Brain], but your entire brain system and can be an excellent option for those who sometimes fall through the cracks of dietary intake.*