This vitamin is a key player in the Krebs cycle and in the methylation cycle as it is a critical cofactor in homocysteine conversion to methionine by the enzyme methionine synthase. In its absence the processing of methylfolate and other steps in folate metabolism stop. This blockage of proper folate (B9) metabolism results in anemia and deficiencies in DNA formation.

Other symptoms of B12 deficiency are demyelination (as in multiple sclerosis), slowed nerve conduction, accumulation of homocysteine and increased heart disease risk, defective cell membranes (branched fatty acids), anemia, fatigue, painful and burning feet, skin abnormalities, retarded growth, dizzy spells, digestive disturbances, vomiting, restlessness, stomach stress, and muscle cramps.

• B1 (Thiamine)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (Niacin)
• B5 (pantothenate)
• B6 (pyridoxine)
• B7 (biotin)
• B9 (folic acid)
• B12 (cobalamin)

The B vitamins are important in converting food to energy. They are also involved in DNA synthesis and replication, mitochondrial phosphorylation, the electron transport chain and ATP production, neurotransmitter production, immune system function, and hemoglobin production.

Another critical metabolic process B vitamins are involved in is called methylation. This is how your body generates carbon groups(C-H3) which are essential for managing just about every operation in every cell in the human body. Here are some of the functions of methylation:

1. Turn on and off genes (gene regulation)
2. Process chemicals, endogenous and xenobiotic compounds (biotransformation)
3. Build neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, melatonin)
4. Metabolize neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine)
5. Process hormones (estrogen)
6. Build immune cells (T cells, NK cells)
7. DNA and histone synthesis (thymine aka 5-methyluracil)
8. Produce energy (CoQ10, carnitine, creatine, ATP)
9. Produce protective coating on nerves (myelination)
10. Build and maintain cell membranes (phosphatidylcholine)

Vitamins such as B12, B6 and B2 are necessary for the proper functioning of the methylation cycle. Without enough, methylation breaks down at the very root and all of the biological processes above can be compromised.

Due to their critical role deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to a VERY wide variety of symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, weight loss, emotional disturbances, muscle weakness, dementia, insomnia, skin eruptions, dermatitis, numbness, paresthesia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, demyelination, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, “brain fog” and cognitive impairment, sore throat, mental confusion, and diarrhea among others.