B6 b12 and folic acid
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Role of Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid in Health
Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid in Maternal and Infant Health
Impact on Breast Milk and Maternal Nutrition
Supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid has been shown to significantly improve the nutritional status of lactating women and the vitamin content of their breast milk. A study involving low socioeconomic lactating women demonstrated that those who received a multivitamin supplement had significantly higher concentrations of vitamin B6, B12, and folate in their breast milk compared to those who received a placebo. This suggests that dietary changes or supplementation may be necessary to maintain recommended levels of these vitamins in breast milk, especially in populations with low dietary intake1.
Cognitive Function and Mental Health
Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Research on the effects of vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older men has shown no significant benefits. A study involving hypertensive men aged 75 and older found that daily supplementation with these vitamins over two years did not improve cognitive function or reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia2. Similarly, another study on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found no significant improvement in cognitive function or daily living activities after 26 weeks of supplementation7.
First-Episode Psychosis
In patients with first-episode psychosis, supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid was found to lower homocysteine levels but did not significantly improve overall cognitive function or symptomatology. However, there were specific cognitive benefits observed in females, particularly in the domains of speed of processing and attention/vigilance6.
Cardiovascular Health
Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Disease
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels significantly. However, large-scale studies, such as the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-2 trial, have found that while these supplements lower homocysteine levels, they do not significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, and stroke3 4 5.
Colorectal Health
Risk of Colorectal Adenomas
High levels of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) and B2 (riboflavin) have been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal adenomas. A study found that higher plasma levels of these vitamins were inversely associated with the risk of developing new colorectal adenomas, particularly in individuals who did not consume alcohol8.
Conclusion
While supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid can improve certain health outcomes, such as the nutritional quality of breast milk and lowering homocysteine levels, the benefits do not extend universally across all health domains. Specifically, these vitamins do not significantly enhance cognitive function in older adults or reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. However, they may offer specific benefits in reducing the risk of colorectal adenomas and improving certain cognitive functions in females with first-episode psychosis. Therefore, the use of these supplements should be tailored to individual health needs and conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The effects of ascorbic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid supplementation on the breast milk and maternal nutritional status of low socioeconomic lactating women.
Vitamin B6 and folate supplementation significantly improves maternal nutritional status and increases vitamin B12 and folate levels in breast milk of low socioeconomic lactating women.
RCT
Highly CitedVitamins B12, B6, and folic acid for cognition in older men
Daily supplementation with vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid does not improve cognitive function or reduce the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia in hypertensive men aged 75 and older.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedRationale, design and baseline characteristics of a large, simple, randomized trial of combined folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 in high-risk patients: the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-2 trial.
Long-term therapy with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
RCT
Large Human TrialEffect of Combined Treatment With Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 on Plasma Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Women
Long-term combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 lowers homocysteine levels but does not alter major biomarkers of vascular inflammation in women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalHomocysteine lowering with folic acid and B vitamins in vascular disease.
Folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 supplements did not significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with vascular disease.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedA Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of the Effects of Vitamin B12, B6 and Folic Acid on Cognition and Symptoms in First-episode Psychosis. The Vitamins in Psychosis Study
Folic acid, B12, and B6 supplementation is well-tolerated and safe in first-episode psychosis patients, but may not provide extra benefits for all.
RCTEfficacy of multivitamin supplementation containing vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid as adjunctive treatment with a cholinesterase inhibitor in Alzheimer's disease: a 26-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Taiwanese patients.
Oral multivitamin supplementation containing vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid may reduce serum homocysteine levels in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, but no significant differences in cognition or daily living function were observed.
RCTHighly CitedVitamins B2, B6, and B12 and Risk of New Colorectal Adenomas in a Randomized Trial of Aspirin Use and Folic Acid Supplementation
High levels of vitamin B6 and B2 may protect against colorectal adenomas, but not folic acid supplementation or plasma folate.
RCTLarge Human TrialImpact of supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and/or folic acid on the reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review
Supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and/or folic acid significantly reduces homocysteine levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment, potentially improving cognitive function.
Systematic ReviewControlled trials of very high dose folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, intravenous folinic acid and serine for treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in ESRD.
High dose oral folic acid, intravenous folinic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and oral serine were ineffective in lowering total homocysteine levels in hemodialysis patients when added to routine folic acid and B vitamin supplements.
RCT