12 Health Benefits Of Vitamin B6 (Is The Hype Real?)

Water-soluble vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a nutrient that can be added to foods and supplements and occurs naturally in many foods. The active form of the coenzyme, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), is the most often used indicator of the body’s B6 blood levels, a coenzyme that helps more than 100 enzymes carry out several tasks. These include breaking down proteins, carbs, and lipids; preserving appropriate homocysteine levels (because elevated levels can lead to cardiac problems); and promoting immune system and brain health.

The effect of vitamin B6 in preventing disease has received extensive research. The vitamin in supplement form has the most potential for treating pregnancy-related nausea, but such use should only be done under a doctor’s supervision. In addition, compared to low blood levels, adequate blood levels of B6 may be associated with a decreased risk of cancer.

When taken in the authorized dosage, vitamin B6 supplements are generally regarded as safe. The maximum recommended amount is a daily supplement dose of 100 milligrams of vitamin B6 for adults. Taking too much may result in gastrointestinal symptoms, numbness, sun sensitivity, lesions, a lack of muscle control or coordination, and difficulty in sensing pain or extreme temperatures.

Enhances Mood and Reduces Depression Symptoms

To produce serotonin, a hormone that improves mood, the body needs vitamin B6. The nerve cells communicate with one another through the neurotransmitter serotonin, which they create. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in numerous areas of the body, which includes the central nervous system, blood platelets, and the digestive system. It is also believed to affect mood regulation. According to certain research, a lack of vitamin B6 in the diet has also been linked to depression.

Major depressive disorder, sometimes known as depression, is a frequent and significant medical condition that has an adverse impact on one’s feelings, thoughts, and actions. Some symptoms including sadness and a decline in interest in past activities are symptoms of depression. It can impair a person’s capacity to function at home, work, and in general since it can cause many emotional and physical issues.

Depression is one of the simplest mental illnesses to treat. A medical professional should conduct a complete diagnostic examination, including a physical exam and an interview, before establishing a diagnosis or beginning therapy. A blood test may occasionally be performed to ensure that a medical disease like a thyroid issue or a vitamin deficit is not the cause of depression. 

Helps Treat PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is characterized by mood swings like irritability, despair, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 has been used to relieve these symptoms. Due to its involvement in producing neurotransmitters that control mood, scientists believe that B6 helps with emotional symptoms associated with PMS.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) manifests itself in a wide variety of ways, including emotional imbalance, sensitive breasts, food cravings, tiredness, irritability, and melancholy. Up to three out of every four women who are menstruating are thought to have premenstrual syndrome. In addition, a consistent pattern of recurrence exists for symptoms. However, premenstrual syndrome’s physical and emotional changes can range from hardly perceptible to severe.

Some women’s physical discomfort and emotional stress are so severe that it interferes with their daily life and normal activities. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, most of the signs and symptoms go away four days following the start of their menstrual cycle. However, only a small percentage of premenstrual syndrome sufferers have incapacitating symptoms every month. The name of this type of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Depression, rage, mood swings, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, feeling overburdened, tension, and impatience are some of the indications and symptoms of PMDD.