Can you take vitamin b1 and b12 together
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Can You Take Vitamin B1 and B12 Together?
Introduction to Vitamin B1 and B12
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) are essential nutrients that play crucial roles in maintaining overall health. Thiamine is vital for energy metabolism and nerve function, while cobalamin is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
Combined Benefits of Vitamin B1 and B12
Migraine Relief
Research indicates that taking Vitamin B1 and B12 together, along with other B vitamins, can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improve migraine-related disability. A study involving 120 women with episodic migraine showed that supplementation with B1, B6, B12, and B9, either individually or in combination, led to a notable decrease in headache frequency and the use of abortive drugs compared to a placebo group .
Depression Risk Reduction
A systematic review and meta-analysis have found that higher dietary intake of Vitamin B1 and B12 is associated with a lower risk of depression. The pooled relative risks (RRs) for the highest versus the lowest intake categories were 0.69 for Vitamin B1 and 0.86 for Vitamin B12, indicating a significant inverse relationship between these vitamins and depression risk . This suggests that these vitamins may have a protective effect against depression, particularly in females.
Cognitive Function and Fatigue
While Vitamin B12 alone or in combination with other B vitamins (B complex) has been studied for its effects on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fatigue, the results are mixed. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no significant improvement in cognitive function or depressive symptoms with B12 supplementation in patients without advanced neurological disorders or overt B12 deficiency . However, the potential benefits in specific populations or conditions warrant further investigation.
Safety and Interactions
Therapeutic Use with Analgesics
Animal studies have explored the interactions of Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. These studies suggest that B vitamins can be used therapeutically in combination with these drugs, potentially enhancing their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects . This indicates that taking B1 and B12 together is not only safe but may also offer additional therapeutic benefits when used with certain medications.
Pediatric Use
In pediatric populations, Vitamins B1 and B12 have been studied for their potential to stimulate growth and appetite. Although the complexity of evaluating these effects is acknowledged, the use of these vitamins in children has been of significant interest . This further supports the safety and potential benefits of combining these vitamins.
Conclusion
Taking Vitamin B1 and B12 together is generally safe and can offer several health benefits, including reduced migraine frequency, lower depression risk, and potential therapeutic effects when combined with analgesics. While the evidence for cognitive function and fatigue improvement is less clear, the overall benefits and safety profile make these vitamins a valuable addition to a balanced diet or supplementation regimen. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic