The Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine, and is a water soluble vitamin in the B family of vitamins. It has a variety of important functions such as aiding in metabolic activity. It helps to break down sugars, amino acids, and even fats. It also aids in the production of neurotransmitters which help run your nervous system, and helps create DNA.
Without sufficient B6 we would not be able to process carbohydrates properly. Our bodies require that the glycogen in our muscle cells be broken down so as to provide us with energy, and vitamin B6 plays a key role in this breakdown. This can be especially important for athletes who require increased strength and endurance. It is also an essential vitamin for tissue repair. Another of the benefits of vitamin B6 is that it helps control excessive inflammation.
Because of its use in healthy brain and nerve function, it also helps to regulate mood. It is important for the development of serotonin and norepinephrine, hormones that help guard against depression, and has been used to treat both Alzheimer's and general memory loss.
This important vitamin also teams up with the other members in the B Vitamin family to perform crucial functions in the body. One of those functions is to keep homocysteine levels down, which has been linked to heart disease and osteoporosis. Along many of its other powerful functions it has been used to treat conditions like carpal tunnel, PMS, and preventing asthma attacks.
The major dietary sources of B6 are meat, eggs, liver, fish, whole grains, legumes (peas and beans), potatoes, brewer's yeast, avocados and dairy foods. Due to its water-solubility, it can't be stored in the body's fat cells, so we need to ingest it on a regular basis. And as B6 is necessary in order to break down proteins, the more protein you eat, the more B6 you need.
Although a deficiency in vitamin B6 is not common, it can lead to anemia, feelings of numbness or pins-and-needles in hands and feet, a sore red tongue, and confusion, depression and irritability. This deficiency is most often found in alcoholics and those with chronic fatigue syndrome or women who use oral contraceptives.
Recommendations for B6 in adults are to get 1.6 mg per day. Pregnant woman and those breastfeeding need a bit more at 2 mg per day. If you eat a balanced diet it is not likely that you will need to supplement as you will receive plenty in your meals. If you suspect that you may be deficient consult your doctor.
Without sufficient B6 we would not be able to process carbohydrates properly. Our bodies require that the glycogen in our muscle cells be broken down so as to provide us with energy, and vitamin B6 plays a key role in this breakdown. This can be especially important for athletes who require increased strength and endurance. It is also an essential vitamin for tissue repair. Another of the benefits of vitamin B6 is that it helps control excessive inflammation.
Because of its use in healthy brain and nerve function, it also helps to regulate mood. It is important for the development of serotonin and norepinephrine, hormones that help guard against depression, and has been used to treat both Alzheimer's and general memory loss.
This important vitamin also teams up with the other members in the B Vitamin family to perform crucial functions in the body. One of those functions is to keep homocysteine levels down, which has been linked to heart disease and osteoporosis. Along many of its other powerful functions it has been used to treat conditions like carpal tunnel, PMS, and preventing asthma attacks.
The major dietary sources of B6 are meat, eggs, liver, fish, whole grains, legumes (peas and beans), potatoes, brewer's yeast, avocados and dairy foods. Due to its water-solubility, it can't be stored in the body's fat cells, so we need to ingest it on a regular basis. And as B6 is necessary in order to break down proteins, the more protein you eat, the more B6 you need.
Although a deficiency in vitamin B6 is not common, it can lead to anemia, feelings of numbness or pins-and-needles in hands and feet, a sore red tongue, and confusion, depression and irritability. This deficiency is most often found in alcoholics and those with chronic fatigue syndrome or women who use oral contraceptives.
Recommendations for B6 in adults are to get 1.6 mg per day. Pregnant woman and those breastfeeding need a bit more at 2 mg per day. If you eat a balanced diet it is not likely that you will need to supplement as you will receive plenty in your meals. If you suspect that you may be deficient consult your doctor.
About the Author:
Dr. Weir is a local bellevue chiropractor . To contact his clinic call 425-635-0495 .
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