Vitamin B6 and B12 for Testosterone

There are a lot of exotic herbs for testosterone, but while we chase the fancy t-boosters, we sometimes overlook basic vitamins that are important for testosterone. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are two such nutrients that many guys don’t get enough of.

Since they are water soluble, you must replenish your supply on a daily basis. Proper diet or intake of dietary supplements will keep B vitamin deficiencies at bay. Vitamins B6 and B12 plays a huge role in the different enzymatic reactions in normal body functions such as testosterone production.

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 levels greatly correlate with testosterone levels – they are directly proportional to one another. Not only that, Vitamin B6 plays a huge role in the synthesis of amino acids and proteins. Vitamin B6 also aids in hemoglobin production, anti-inflammatory response, and immune response.

Here are the telltale signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency:

• Iron deficiency microcytic anemia
• Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities
• Dermatitis with scaling on and around the lips
• Glossitis or swollen tongue
• Depression, confusion, and anxiety
• General muscle weakness
• Impaired immune system

Vitamin B6 for Testosterone

Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal testosterone levels for optimum performance. Manufacturers often promote this vitamin as a testosterone booster but clinical evidence only suggests that it is plausible. One must maintain optimal vitamin B6 levels because it blocks testosterone inactivation. Aromatization is the conversion of testosterone to estradiol (estrogen, the female hormone). ¹

How Vitamin B6 Helps Testosterone

Vitamin B6 wards off the inactivation and aromatization of testosterone. This means increased bioavailability for testosterone. In contrast, it translates to less bioavailability for estradiol. Vitamin B6 also promotes the cell’s responsiveness to sex hormones.

Dosage for Testosterone

Dietary supplements which function as t-boosters often contain about 2 mg – 10 mg of Vitamin B6. Higher dosages of Vitamin B6 supplements may cause short-term gastric distress and high blood pressure.

Vitamin B6 Estrogen Dominance

Vitamin B6 not only affects testosterone, but also other sex hormones that are present in both male and females. This vitamin also acts through a specific mechanism: the modulation of transcriptional activation which regulates physiological actions of the different steroid hormone receptors. ² High levels of synthetic or natural estradiol (estrogen) lead to malabsorption of vitamin B6.

In this case, the body flushes higher levels of tryptophan metabolites via urination. It also fails to convert these metabolites into niacin (vitamin B3). ³ Niacin is important in the production of sex and stress related-hormones in the adrenal glands. High amounts of estradiol (estrogen) in the body counteracts the effects of Vitamin B6 which leads to a higher requirement or deficiency of this vitamin.

In taking high levels of T-boosters, keep in mind that whenever aromatization occurs, the body converts most of the testosterone hormones into estradiol. Whenever you take t-boosters or testosterone injections, you must also consume vitamin B6 or other aromatase inhibitors to ensure great results.

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Skip Down to See the Best Multivitamin 
That Contains Vitamin B6 & B12 

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What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 supports overall health of the testes. The Leydig cells within the testes produce testosterone. In that regard, adequate testosterone production relies on optimum testicular function. Vitamin B12 also supports spermatogenesis within the testes. Vitamin B12 also plays key roles in normal brain function and blood production.

Here are the telltale signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Megaloblastic anemia
• Fatigue
• General muscle weakness
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Neurological and behavioral changes
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and limbs
• Soreness of the mouth and tongue

Vitamin B12 for Testosterone

Vitamin B12 mainly affects the nervous system and red blood cell production. The support of vitamin B12 for testicular health leads to adequate testosterone and sperm production. However, it is more likely a side effect of Vitamin B12 instead of its main benefit.

How Vitamin B12 Helps Testosterone

Leydig cells are in the testes. These cells produce testosterone. On that note, testes health is vital in the adequate production of male hormones and healthy sperm cells. Vitamin B12 does not directly affect testosterone levels. However, since testosterone production happens in the testes, vitamin B12 supports it.

Dosage for Testosterone

The ideal dose of Vitamin B12 for testicular health is about 6 μg – 60 μg. Vitamin B12 does not directly boost testosterone production. However, it supports the health of the Leydig cells that produce it. Vitamin B12 does not have any specific side effects when one takes it in higher-than-prescribed amounts. Bear in mind higher dosages do not increase this vitamin’s benefits.

Vitamin B12 with Testosterone

Vitamin B12 improves good blood circulation. This translates to improved energy and vigor shortly after administration. Vitamin B12 and testosterone injections go hand in hand because the former promotes faster androgen synthesis and energy production by affecting the nerve cells where basic cellular processes take place. ⁴ Vitamin B12 works quickly and it also speeds up the effect of testosterone in the body.

Best Vitamin B6 & B12 Supplement for Testosterone

The good news about trying to find a supplement that contains both Vitamin B6 and B12 is that it’s not hard. Most products contain these 2 B vitamins.

However, most supplements will contain synthetic, low quality versions of vitamins and minerals. Which explains why your urine has turned yellow after taking a cheap multivitamin before; your body isn’t using anything, but simply expelling it out of your body.

As a result, we recommend finding a high quality multivitamin – that your body absorbs and makes use of. 

After trying and testing dozens of multivitamins, our #1 rated product is made by Performance Lab.

 Conclusion

The best thing guys can do is make sure they get enough of both of these B vitamins to support healthy testosterone levels. Keep in mind that the body can’t store vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 – you must replenish them regularly. The need for Vitamin B6 and B12 for testosterone may increase with age.

Estrogen counteracts the effects of Vitamin B6. It can also come from aromatized testosterone. With these in mind, adequate amount of vitamin B6 intake is necessary for strength, muscle mass, and overall masculinity. Vitamin B12 is important in overall testicular health which includes the Leydig cells for testosterone production. Vitamin B12 also complements the effect of testosterone injections when you take them together.

For more information, check out our Best Testosterone Booster Supplements 2018 Edition and Best Multivitamins 2018 Edition to get the lowdown on the best bodybuilding products for testosterone support.

References

1. R J Santen Is aromatization of testosterone to estradiol required for inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion in men? J Clin Invest. 1975 Dec; 56(6): 1555–1563.
2. Allgood VE et al. Vitamin B6 modulates transcriptional activation by multiple members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. J Biol Chem. 1992 Feb 25;267(6):3819-24.
3. Crepaldi G et al. Relationship between tryptophan metabolism and vitamin B6 and nicotinamide in aged subjects. Acta Vitaminol Enzymol. 1975;29(1-6):140-4.
4. Dr. David Lipschitz The Art of Aging 2014
5. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
6. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/