Facts About Vitamin B6: What is Vitamin B6 and Benefits of Vitamin B6
EducationFacts About Vitamin B6: What is Vitamin B6 and Benefits of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxine and a group of compounds pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Body needs Vitamin B6 for making body proteins. Some Vitamin B6 is stored in muscle tissue but because of the limitation of this we need regular intake of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is good for the nervous system and prevents homocysteine build-up in the blood. Vitamin B6 converts tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin. It also enables the body to manufacture and convert amino acids and metabolise proteins.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms are:
• Fatigue
• Anaemia
• Skin Problems
• Anxiety
• Disinterest in sex
• Paranoia
• Hyperactivity
• Severe Indigestion Problem
• EEG Abnormalities
Food Sources of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 can be found in lots of foods. Some of the major sources of Vitamin B6 are:
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Liver
• Chicken Breast
• Turkey Breast
• Cod
• Salmon
• Snapper
• Halibut
• Banana
• Yeast
• Avocado
• Wheat Bran
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Turnip Greens
• Molasses
• Cabbage
• Oat
Health Benefits of Vitamin B6 – Functions of Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the neurological activity. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the creation of amines which are important messaging molecules. Vitamin B6 also helps to create amine-derived neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
• Many amino acids do require Vitamin B6 for synthesis. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the creation of new cells in the body.
• Vitamin B6 helps to break glycogen (one form in which body fuel is stored and broken down into glucose when needed by the body) which is stored in the muscle cells and liver. Our body needs Vitamin B6 to process the carbohydrate in our body.
• Vitamin B6 is also important to prevent or reduce the unwanted inflammation. Lack of optimal levels of Vitamin B6 can lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
• Vitamin B6 plays a major role in sulfur and methyl metabolism. Hormonal balance depends on the movement of sulphur containing molecules throughout the body. Vitamin B6 helps body to maintain flexibility in handling sufur-containing compounds. In respect of methyl containing molecules, Vitamin B6 plays the similar role.
Other benefits of Vitamin B6 include the reduction of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women and relief from morning sickness in pregnant women. Vitamin B6 reduces the chances of developing Parkinson's disease as well. Lack of Vitamin B6 can cause anemia. Vitamin B6 is an anti-stress vitamin and helps body to cope with the stressful situations.