Supplement your diet
VITAMIN B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for over 100 enzymatic reactions, performing a wide variety of functions throughout the body, mostly those involving the metabolism of protein.
Vitamin B6 cannot be synthesised in the body and must be obtained from our diet. Due to its water-soluble nature, any excess of this vitamin cannot be stored in the body. To meet your daily requirements, you need to replenish it on a regular basis.
Good sources of vitamin B6 include fish, liver, meat, legumes, cereal grains, eggs, milk, cheese, flour, potatoes, bananas and vegetables, especially carrots, spinach and peas.
Individuals with a low vitamin B6 status may benefit from supplementation.
Alcoholics are thought to be most at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. Individuals with autoimmune disorders, malabsorption disorders and kidney dysfunction are also prone to insufficient vitamin B6.
Low levels of vitamin B6 have been linked to a range of symptoms such as depression, confusion, itchy rashes, cracks around the lips, swelling around the tongue, anaemia and impaired immune system.
Health benefits of vitamin B6
Studies have demonstrated that daily intake of vitamin B6 is effective in managing a broad range of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. It helps combat mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, cramps, fatigue and headaches, which occur before the menstrual cycle.
An adequate intake of vitamin B6 contributes to an increased probability of conception.
Additionally, it also helps reduce the risk of pre-term birth and prevents pregnancy loss.
Research has shown that women with vitamin B6 deficiency appear to have a greater chance of these issues than those with adequate preconception vitamin B status.
Supplementing with vitamin B6 is effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness, which affect up to 90% of pregnant women during early pregnancy.
Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood can damage the delicate lining of an artery, initiating the process of atherosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks and strokes. Consuming vitamin B6, along with folic acid and vitamin B12 can effectively lower serum homocysteine levels, thereby helping prevent heart diseases.
Whether you are experiencing frequent PMS symptoms or trying to get pregnant, you may want to consider adding vitamin B6 to your diet.
This informational article is brought to you by VitaHealth.
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