Description

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for several functions.   It’s significant to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.   Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must obtain it from foods or supplements.   Most people get enough vitamin B6 through their diet, but certain populations may be at risk for deficiency.   Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B6 is important for optimal health and may even prevent and treat chronic diseases.   Here are 9 health benefits of vitamin B6, backed by science.

• May Improve Mood and Reduce Symptoms of Depression

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in mood regulation. Low levels of vitamin B6 in older adults have been linked to depression, but research has not shown that B6 is an effective treatment for mood disorders.

•  May Promote Brain Health and Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

Vitamin B6 may play a role in improving brain function and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B6 may prevent a decline in brain function by decreasing homocysteine levels that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairments.   

• May Prevent and Treat Anemia by Aiding Hemoglobin Production

Due to its role in hemoglobin production, vitamin B6 may be helpful in preventing and treating anemia caused by deficiency. Not getting enough vitamin B6 can lead to low hemoglobin and anemia, so supplementing with this vitamin may prevent or treat these issues.

• May Be Useful in Treating Symptoms of PMS

Vitamin B6 has been used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, including anxiety, depression and irritability. Some research has indicated that high doses of vitamin B6 may be effective at decreasing anxiety and other mood issues associated with PMS due to its role in creating neurotransmitters.

• May Help Treat Nausea During Pregnancy

Vitamin B6 has been used for decades to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 supplements in doses of 30–75 mg a day have been used as an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

• May Prevent Clogged Arteries and Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Vitamin B6 may prevent clogged arteries and minimize heart disease risk. Vitamin B6 may help reduce high homocysteine levels that lead to narrowing of arteries. This may minimize heart disease risk.

• May Help Prevent Cancer

Getting enough vitamin B6 may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Some observational studies suggest a link between adequate dietary intake and blood levels of vitamin B6 and a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, but more research is needed.  

• May Promote Eye Health and Prevent Eye Diseases

Vitamin B6 may play a role in preventing eye diseases, especially a type of vision loss that affects older adults called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Vitamin B6 supplements may reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, adequate blood levels of B6 may prevent issues that affect the retina. However, more research is needed.