What’s The Difference Between Vitamin B6 and B12?

difference between vitamin b

Vitamins B6 and B12 belong to B-vitamin complex group, which are chemically distinct substances that help the body transform food into energy. They’re also responsible for other bodily processes, including the formation of blood cells, transmitting signals through the nervous system, and balancing blood sugar levels. But if you’re buying a B vitamin and you see ones marked B6 and B12, what’s the difference?

What is Vitamin B6?

B6, or pyridoxine, is essential for the production of neurotransmitters — chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells. It also plays important role in normal brain development and function; furthermore, B6 is responsible for the producing “mood hormones” serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as melatonin, which regulates body natural rhythm. Tuna, spinach, cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, turkey, beef, chicken, sweet potatoes, bananas, collard greens, and salmon are some of the best sources of B6.

Also: Superfoods That’ll Give You More Energy

What is Vitamin B12?

Superfoods packed with B vitamins are essential to strengthen the body. B12 is naturally found in animal products such as fish, meat, eggs, poultry; it’s also found in dairy. You can also find it non-citrus fruits, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables. B12 plays a role in brain and nervous system function, as well as metabolism of amino acids. Additionally, it is crucial in the formation of red blood cells. It is especially important for DNA synthesis and metabolism of fatty and amino acids.

Lacking vitamin B6 is rare since it’s widely available in more foods than B12, but if you’re deficient the symptoms usually include nervousness, irritability, muscle weakness, poor memory, and depression.

B12 deficiency is more common because it’s more challenging for your body to absorb. Particularly vulnerable to the lack of B12 are older people, those with pernicious anemia, vegans, and vegetarians who fail to take enough animal protein, such as dairy and eggs. Mild B12 deficiency usually goes without symptoms, but severe cases can lead to anemia.

Importance Of B Vitamins In Muscle Building

Why are B vitamins important? The fact that they’re easily absorbed by the body and that they’re essential to a healthy immune system makes them prime candidates for being an important part of any weight loss regimen. B vitamins are also beneficial for the development of lean muscle mass.

Your body may not absorb enough B vitamins if you’re simply eating a balanced diet and doing nothing more than working out every now and then. If you want to lose weight and build lean muscle, you need to take the recommended amount of supplements. 

Also, remember to increase the amount of time you spend working out and increase the intensity of your workouts. When you increase the intensity of your workout, your body will also burn up more calories. This will cause you to shed pounds faster and improve the efficiency in which your body burns calories.

If you think your diet is not enough to supply you with B vitamins and you’re looking to boost your nutritional needs, you can take supplements that provide you with the necessary B vitamins. Any good supplements have to be combined with a proper diet. When combined correctly, supplements will help you maintain the proper balance of vitamins and minerals in your body. 

To get the most out of these supplements, you want to make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, too.

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