Vitamin B for Memory Loss, Headaches, and Brain Fog?

[MusicMan]

I have read that Vitamin B12 can be used to help in the recovery of memory loss and brain fog. I have also read that Vitamin B2 is used as a remedy for migraine headaches. I had been struggling with these issues due to sleep apnea. When I started taking 3000 mcg of Vitamin B12 tablets and a Vitamin B Complex tablet daily, I noticed that the headaches went away. It has also seemed to reduce the brain fog and memory loss. Has anyone else here used Vitamin B for this purpose? If so, what was your experience with it?

Here is some info I found on it:

"People who consume higher levels of B vitamins (folate, B12 and B6) may reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Folate also seems to play a role in decreasing homocysteine levels in the blood, which may improve heart health - and that means good blood flow to all organs, including the brain."

http://www.avianweb.com/memoryloss.html

"Nutritional deficiencies can affect brain function, due to a lack of nutrients necessary for optimal brain function. Deficiencies of magnesium, vitamin B-12, and amino acids can cause significant brain impairment such as lack of concentration, short-term memory loss, attention deficit, and spaciness (or lack of focus)."

http://www.jigsawhealth.com/articles/br ... auses.html

"Supplementing with high-dose vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may help prevent migraines, according to recent research. Migraine pain is believed to originate from inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. Participants suffered significantly fewer migraines while taking riboflavin (Vitamin B2). The average number of headaches decreased from four per month prior to the study, to two per month during treatment with riboflavin. Participants also used significantly less pain-relieving medication while taking riboflavin than before the study. Headache duration also decreased during the treatment period, though headache intensity was unchanged."

http://supplementspot.com/migraine.html

Take what you need and leave the rest.

[GuyK]

I noticed years ago that I slept better when taking a B-complex vitamin (it may not matter, but I take Stresstabs). I'd usually take them until I ran out and then after a couple of weeks notice that I was sleeping poorly again, so I'd go get more Stresstabs.

I haven't talked directly to my PCP about it, but every time I list meds, I always say that I take a B-complex, and he always notes it.

As far as mental acuity goes, I've never noticed anything, with or without the vitamin. However, I did start to notice quit a bit of cognitive impairment over time, while on and off the vitamin, and it was after mentioning that to my PCP that he suggested I might have sleep apnea.

Honestly, I don't know if I really need to take a multivitamin or not -- we have a pretty varied, well-balanced diet at home and I would hope I'm getting most of what I need that way. But, psychosomatic or not, taking the B-complex seems to work for me, so I'm sticking with it.

Guy

[Goofproof]

I've take Vitamins by the buckets, mega doses, B-50 @ 2 daily for joint pain + 2 500mcg of B-12 for mental rebuild. Didn't have any fog, just trying to stay ahead of the Mad Cow. Jim

[Raj]

Research on rodents with a specific form of B3 (nicotinamide) has been so promising for reducing the effects of Alzheimer's that human trials are already getting started. Lots of reports on this such as this one: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/128297.php. But one thing this article didn't mention is that nicotinamide seemed to increase memory function in normal rats. Alas, I don't think plain old niacin has this trick up its sleeve.

[Babette]

I'm taking high doses (don't ask me how much ) of B-12 and B-6 for appetite suppression and energy improvement. Has helped. Might up my dosage, based on what the rest of you are taking. I'm taking a timed release pill - does anyone have any suggestions one way or the other? Timed release vs. standard? I thought timed release might be good to avoid any possible spiking issues.

Thanks much!
B.

[Goofproof]

If I could get a bottle of injectable, I use that what's one more stick. Jim

[stepbill]

Everything that I have read says that an injectable is far better than pills cause your body will pass the vitamin before it is absorbed. I've been looking at getting the shot each week for both energy and to help with my weight.

[Babette]

I wonder if that's the point of the timed release pills? To keep them in your body longer?

I don't think injections are the way to go for me. Unless they can let me do them myself. I'm not going to pay for an office visit every week.

Cheers,
B.

[roster]

This makes me think about that study from a few months ago at UCLA where they found brain damage in apnea patients. Their mammillary bodies (two small round structures on the undersurface of the brain that form the terminals of the anterior arches of the fornix ) were shrunken by 20% in all patients studied. The researchers stated they were shocked at the amount of damage.

Anyway, on to the point, they went on to say they were experimenting with large vitamin B doses to see if they could get an improvement. I would assume the doses were by injection.

[Babette]

Both of my Mammary bodies are JUST FINE, thank you very much for asking.

So, what are the symptoms of shrinkage? Why do we care if these things shrink?

Cheers,
B.

[roster]

Both of my Mammary bodies are JUST FINE, thank you very much for asking.

So, what are the symptoms of shrinkage? Why do we care if these things shrink?

Cheers,
B.

Decline in cognitive ability and loss of control of emotions (depression, anxiety, withdrawal, violence).

[Babette]

Decline in cognitive ability and loss of control of emotions (depression, anxiety, withdrawal, violence).

OMG... Get OUT of my head!

Well, maybe I'll be upping that dose of Vitamin B-12 after all......

Preferably before I kill my Mother, who is currently causing me mass anxiety and depression, which is leading to violence....

LOL,
B.

[ofarchesandants]

Babette,
The reason extended release is good when taking large doses of b vitamins is because they are water soluble as opposed to fat soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body and remain in the system longer but are also more prone to overdosing. Water soluble vitamins are quickly emptied from the system in your urine if not immediately needed which necessitates either dividing the dosage throughout the day say with each meal or taking an extended or timed release version.
cheers,
gregg )

[Babette]

Well, that makes sense, Gregg. Thanks!

Is anyone having spiking issues with mega doses of B-12?

Cheers,
B.

[DreamStalker]

Research on rodents with a specific form of B3 (nicotinamide) has been so promising for reducing the effects of Alzheimer's that human trials are already getting started. Lots of reports on this such as this one: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/128297.php. But one thing this article didn't mention is that nicotinamide seemed to increase memory function in normal rats. Alas, I don't think plain old niacin has this trick up its sleeve.

My cardiologist just Rx me B3 for my cholesterol. My cholesterol is actually pretty good between 140 and 150 but my HDL/LDL ratio is in need of improvement. Doc doesn't want to put me on statins so he has me on B3 to see what happens.