Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) has scientific validation for its role in supporting the dopamine system, primarily through its essential functions in neurological health. B12 is a critical cofactor in the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is involved in methylation reactions necessary for the production of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to neurological symptoms, including cognitive disturbances, mood changes, and in severe cases, neuropsychiatric disorders, some of which are linked to impaired dopamine signaling.

Several studies have demonstrated that low levels of B12 are associated with decreased dopamine and other monoamine neurotransmitters in animal models and humans. For example, B12 deficiency in rats has been shown to reduce dopamine concentrations in the brain. In human studies, B12 supplementation in deficient individuals has been linked to improvements in mood and cognitive function, which are believed to be partly due to normalization of dopamine pathways.

However, while B12 is essential for optimal functioning of the dopamine system, there is limited evidence that supplementation beyond correcting deficiency further enhances dopamine-related functions in healthy individuals. Thus, B12 is scientifically validated as necessary for dopamine synthesis and function, but its use as a direct enhancer of dopamine in the absence of deficiency is not strongly supported by current evidence.

More about vitamin B12
More about Dopamine

Other ingredients that support Dopamine

Other body systems supported by vitamin B12

Products containing vitamin B12

Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free Original Formula)
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Clean Energy
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Plant Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Plant Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Whey Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Whey Protein
Nature's Sunshine Balanced B Complex (Vitamin B)
Nature's Sunshine Cardio Assurance
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Liquid - Methyl Vitamin B-12 Complete
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free) NEW!
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine Methyl Combo
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal Chocolate
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal Vanilla
Nature's Sunshine Silver Shield BioGuard Hand & Body Cream
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Energy
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Revive
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine B-Complex
Nature's Sunshine VitaWave