Difference Between Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. Vitamin B12 is a B vitamin that is also known as cobalamin. Read this article to learn more about Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 and how they are different from each other.

What is Vitamin B6?

The water-soluble vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine.

• Chemical structure and properties − Vitamin B6's chemical formula is C8H11NO3. There are three different forms of this vitamin: pyridoxamine, pyridoxine, and pyridoxal.

• Functions − After being converted to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, vitamin B6 serves as a coenzyme in a wide variety of cellular processes, including those involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.

• Health benefits − Heart health is greatly aided by pyridoxine's role in homocysteine regulation. Heme, which is found in haemoglobin and carries oxygen throughout the body, can't be made without vitamin B6. People with hypertension can benefit from this vitamin since it reduces both their systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

• Natural sources − Chicken, fish, and beef are all excellent protein choices that also happen to be rich in vitamin B6. Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, and pistachios are all good plant-based options for getting your daily dose of vitamin B6.

• Supplements and fortification − Supplements containing pyridoxine hydrochloride, the active form of vitamin B6, are available. Vitamin B6 may also be added to foods like rice or wheat; however, the frequency with which this is done varies greatly from one region to the next.

• Deficiency symptoms − A deficiency in vitamin B6 can compromise the immune system and lead to frequent sickness. Microcystic anemia and cracked lips are symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, often known as cobalamin, is a kind of the B vitamin family that dissolves in water.

• Chemical structure and properties − There are two types of vitamin B12 − cobalamin and cyanocobalamin. C63H88CoN14O14P is the chemical formula for vitamin B12.

• Functions − Vitamin B12 is essential in developing the insulating myelin that surrounds nerve cells and aids in DNA synthesis. It regulates homocysteine levels and is essential for erythropoiesis.

• Health benefits − Preventing anaemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness, requires adequate intake of vitamin B12. Your nervous system will thank you, too. Pregnant women should have plenty of vitamin B12 to lower their babies' risk of being born with neural tube abnormalities. Positive effects on mood may be another benefit of this vitamin.

• Natural sources − Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal products including milk, eggs, fish, red meat, liver, and clams.

• Supplements and fortification − Cyanocobalamin is the common type of B12 found in supplements. For those who have trouble digesting B12, a doctor may inject it into the veins. Breakfast cereals, soy, and yeast are sometimes fortified with vitamin B12 to make them more suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

• Deficiency symptoms − Megaloblastic anaemia, caused by a lack of vitamin B12, manifests with symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. A shortage of vitamin B12 can induce palpitations, a pallid complexion, tingling in the hands and feet, and other symptoms related to the nervous system.

Differences Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12

The following table highlights the major differences between Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 −

Characteristics	Vitamin B6	Vitamin B12
Definition	Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin.	Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin.
Molecular formula	Vitamin B6's chemical formula is C8H11NO3.	Vitamin B12's chemical formula is C63H88CoN14O14P.
Sources	The vitamin B6 may be found in chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, and banana.	Vitamin B12 may be found in a variety of foods, including clams, liver, dairy products, fish, and meat.
Benefits	Hemoglobin formation and blood pressure support are two of vitamin B6's many useful functions.	Nervous system and heart health both benefit from vitamin B12's presence in the body.
Deficiency symptoms	A deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause microcytic anaemia and chapped lips.	A deficiency in vitamin B12 is shown in the development of megaloblastic anaemia.

Conclusion

In this article, we explained in detail the various differences between Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.