Friday, November 01, 2024

Benefits of Vitamin B 6

If the constant flux in weather is dampening your mood, a boost of vitamin B6 may be just what you need. Vitamin b6 benefits are more than one—from supporting the production of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin (or the happy hormone) Serotonin to aiding blood health and more, it acts as an essential vitamin as per a recent University of Oxford study. Rhian Stephenson, nutritionist and founder of Artah, shares five essential things to know about vitamin B6, including how to recognise deficiency signs:

1. Vitamin B6 benefits cognitive health, hormone balance, and mood

“Vitamin B6 is required for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin,” explains Stephenson. It also supports sex hormone synthesis, including estrogen and progesterone, which is vital for overall hormonal balance.

2. It supports blood health and B12 absorption

B6 is necessary for the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin, and it also helps the body absorb vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

3. Vitamin B6 can improve mood

Due to its role in hormone production, B6 is often used to support mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can lead to low mood, stress, and irritability. “It’s also commonly included in prenatal and fertility supplements to support hormone balance,” Stephenson adds.

4. Recognising vitamin B6 deficiency

Symptoms of B6 deficiency include changes in mood or mental state, skin rashes, neuropathy, and cracks in the mouth's corners. Severe deficiency can cause dermatitis, anaemia, and hormone imbalances, worsening PMS and menstrual health.

5. Vitamin B6 in our food

B6-rich foods include fish, liver, poultry, chickpeas, leafy greens, and starchy vegetables. Plant-based eaters can find B6 in beans, lentils, and various greens and vegetables.

If you’re concerned about a possible B6 deficiency, consult your doctor, who can perform blood tests to diagnose and address any deficiency. Always seek professional advice before starting a supplement regimen.


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