The B6 – B12 Connection

There is a connection between vitamins B6 and B12, and they are proof that a balanced diet is the best way to eat.  If you think it’s just OK to pop a vitamin pill each morning and then eat whatever you feel like…think again.

You’ve undoubtedly heard that B6 is good for you.  But unlike its sibling B9 (folic acid), most people can’t name any foods that are good sources of B6.  Just a few include lean meats, poultry, potatoes (with skins), bananas and avocados.  A nice cross-section.

Now did you know that B6 can’t be fully assimilated by the body without enough B12 to set off the reactions?  That means no matter how much B6 you take, it’s not going to do you much good without enough B12.

Now fortunately, B6 and B12 are both found in the same foods — lean meats, poultry, fish.  So if you’re eating these, it’s likely that you’re getting about the combination you need.  But how much good-quality protein do you get in a day?  And don’t quote fast food — the fats and sodium and calories outweigh any benefits you might be getting from the protein.

It’s quite interesting how the B vitamins work together.  But here’s something that you might want to consider if you are taking a B vitamin supplement.  B12 needs to b e taken as a sublingual tablet to have much of an effect.  The vast majority of B complex vitamins are the kind you swallow with a glass of water.  So though you may be getting the other Bs, you may not be getting the B12 you need.

What a web this is!  And it’s all the more reason to be eating a healthy, balanced diet instead of just relying on vitamin pills.  Supplements help, for sure — but know what you’re taking and don’t get a false sense of security.  All supplements are not created equally!

Oh, and when you look for a sublingual B12 supplement, see if you can find one that also contains B6.  They are out there.