Benefits of Vitamin B6

The benefits of vitamin B6 can be absorbed from several different sources including foods and supplements. Vitamins help the body to function properly, without them, it would be impossible to live and possess mental and physical strength. Making sure that your body gets enough nutrients is just as important for your health as eating smart diet and getting adequate amounts of exercise.


What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is the main vitamin that helps to produce amino acids. It is also responsible for helping the body to produce serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. It has been suggested that the benefits of vitamin B6 can help to improve mood. Since it is responsible for producing amino acids, vitamin B6 is necessary for building protein and muscle within the body.


Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Deficiencies of vitamin B6 can produce depressive feelings and an overall somber outlook, primarily because of its role in producing the important bodily hormones serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. Fortunately, most complications in which an individual is not taking advantage of the benefits of vitamin B6 can be treated.


Childhood epilepsy, although rare, can sometimes result when there is not enough vitamin B6, causing the child to be mentally retarded and suffer from seizures. People who are deficient of this vital nutrient usually end up with poor immune systems, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental confusion. Other risks of deficiency include heart disease, dementia in seniors, and an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's.


Sources of Vitamin B6

Anyone can easily take advantage of the benefits of vitamin B6 by eating a wholesome diet. Some of the best sources include:


  1. Bananas


  2. Poultry


  3. Fish especially tuna


  4. Wheat bran


  5. Pecans


  6. Green peppers


  7. Cantaloupe


  8. Cabbage


  9. Milk


  10. Peanuts


  11. Corn


  12. Legumes


  13. Seeds


  14. Potatoes


  15. Carrots

Most sources of this vital nutrient only contain about 1mg per serving. You can get vitamin B6 benefits by getting the daily recommended amount. The safest suggested amount is no more than 100-200mg per day, however most people usually consume no more than 1-2mg per day, which is considered safe and recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.


Vitamin B6 Overdose

It's always great to know that you are getting vitamin B6 benefits, but when you're getting too much, the results can be dangerous. Signs of an overdose include numbness in the extremities and trouble walking. Vitamin B6 has also been known to interact with certain medications such as Gabapentin, Levodopa, Isoniazid, Neomycin, Carbidopa, Gentamicin, and combined estrogens to name a few.


It is important to check in with your family physician before starting any medication when you suspect you may be consuming more than the daily recommended amount of vitamin B6.




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