• Carrots are a source of vitamin B6."Ready For the Easter Bunny!" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Sister72 (Jackie) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

Benefits

• Vitamin B6 is known to treat neuritis and sideroblastic anemia, an inherited disorder that prevents developing red blood cells (erythroblasts) from making enough hemoglobin. It is also used to treat cases of anemia cause by certain antibiotics. Because of its ability to metabolize energy, vitamin B12 is known as a natural energy booster. Some athletes also use the vitamin to enhance endurance, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The vitamin also treats megaloblastic anemia, a rare disorder in which the body does not absorb enough vitamin B12 from the digestive tract.
  
  

Functions

• Vitamin B6 is needed for "more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism," reports the NIH. It is essential for the metabolism of red blood cells and significant to the efficiency of the immune and nervous systems. It also converts tryptophan to niacin. The body needs the vitamin to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is necessary for "normal functioning of the brain and nervous system," states the American Heart Association. It's also necessary for the formation of blood and it affects DNA synthesis and regulation. Vitamin B12 corrects the megaloblastic anemia that is often caused by a deficiency in the vitamin and, as a result, improves the "associated symptoms of fatigue and weakness," according to the NIH.
  
  

The Facts

• Fish is a source of vitamin B12."Crunchy mango salsa" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Gudlyf (Keith McDuffee) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  Vitamin B6 can be found in legumes, spinach, carrots, peas, potatoes, eggs, cheese, meat and liver. Vitamin B12 can be found in fish, meat and diary products. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for adults 19 to 50 years old, 1.7 mg for males 50 and older, and 1.5 to 1.7 for females 50 and older. Pregnant and lactating women should have 100 mg per day. The RDA for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg per day for adults 14 and older. Those over 50 should have 25 to 100 mcg per day. Pregnant and lactating women should have 2.6 mcg per day.
  
  

Considerations

• Vitamin B6 deficiencies are more common than vitamin B12 deficiencies. Vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement their intake of these vitamins as many sources are found in animal products. Deficiencies of vitamin B6 affect nerves, skin, mucous membranes and blood cells. The nervous system is affected in children with deficiencies. Deficiencies may be caused by alcoholism, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism and congestive heart failure.
  
  

Warnings

• While there are no toxic effects of vitamin B6, some individuals experience skin reactions such as acne or rashes when using the vitamin. Nausea, stomach pains and vomiting have also been reported with the vitamin use, states the Mayo Clinic. Individuals sensitive to cobalmin and cobalt should use this vitamin with caution. Rashes, itching and diarrhea have been reported with use of the vitamin in some cases. Those undergoing angioplasty procedures should avoid taking vitamin B12, reports the Mayo Clinic.