Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the body system: Dopamine

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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.

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