Prevention/risk-reduction support potential of B vitamins:
In scientific studies dating back over 25+ years, B vitamin insufficiencies/deficiencies have been linked to several adverse brain health conditions/illnesses including depression (1), anxiety (2), ADHD symptoms (3,4), cognitive decline (5), accelerated rates of brain tissue loss (13), mild cognitive impairment (6), late onset Alzheimer’s disease (7), and vascular dementia (8) outcomes. The scientific basis for these risk associations includes the fact that adequate levels of B vitamins need to be present for brain tissue to be able to properly metabolize and clear out a variety of naturally-produced toxic waste products. Consequently, a drop in B vitamin levels can result in an unhealthy build-up of several neurotoxic substances (9,10,11,12). Common toxic waste markers that can build up in the brain under conditions of reduced B vitamin levels include increased levels of homocysteine (13), thiolactone/HTL (15), altered neuronal proteins (14), reactive oxygen species (16), oxidative stress markers (17), NF-KB (17), and increased IL6 levels (18). The unhealthy build-up of these toxic substances leads to brain tissue injury and impaired brain function. Upstream to downstream, the emerging picture of risk factors is: lower B vitamin levels-> can result in a build-up of neurotoxic substances-> which can adversely impact brain tissue and performance -> which can result in mental health symptoms, memory loss, and cognitive decline.
On a positive note, the fact that all B vitamin insufficiencies/deficiencies are also modifiable risk factors has given rise to increased scientific interest in studying B vitamins for their potential risk-reduction and prevention-based properties. Several promising research findings have already been reported and multiple international trials are ongoing. Published risk-reduction and/or prevention-related brain health benefits of B vitamins to date have included: reduction of neurotoxic levels of homocysteine (19), reduced CRP-HS (20), reduced IL6 and TNF-alpha (21,25); reduced rate of brain shrinkage (22); reduced rate of cognitive decline (23); reversal of blood brain barrier dysfunction (24); improved cognitive function (25); reduced inflammation (25); and reduced risk for depression (26).
Anti-oxidant nutrient support:
In scientific studies, several B vitamins have demonstrated anti-oxidant properties including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. In addition, zinc and selenium also possess anti-oxidant properties. (27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35)
Homocysteine metabolism support:
Published studies indicate that B2, B6, B9, and B12 are key nutrient co-factors that support homocysteine metabolism. These same B vitamins have been used to help reduce elevated homocysteine levels. Zinc and selenium may also help to reduce homocysteine levels in some published studies. (36,37,38,39,40,41)
Symptom improvement support:
Published studies report that B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, zinc, and selenium supplements have each been associated with reduced psychiatric symptom levels in at least one or more clinical studies (depression, anxiety, and/or ADHD). (42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47,48)
Enhanced psychiatric medication benefit support:
Published studies report that B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, and zinc supplements have each been associated with reduced psychiatric symptom levels when added to psychiatric medications in at least one or more clinical studies (depression, anxiety, and/or ADHD). (49,50,51,52,53,54)
Replenishment support of multiple B vitamins in one capsule:
Each capsule includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12.
