Vitamin B6 is an organic nutrient that is essential for proper function of your body as well as overall healthy living. Vitamin B6 works on a chemical level with other enzymes in order to help with various body processes. Your body is only capable of producing vitamin K, vitamin B and vitamin D from other sources than your actual dietary consumption. All of the other vitamins that are required for proper functioning of your body are received through supplements and the food you eat.
There are two main types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Vitamin C and the vitamin B-complex vitamins are considered water-soluble vitamins. These can be dissolve din water, yet cannot be stored in your body. When there are excess amounts of these vitamins in your system they will be flushed through the kidneys and be released through your body with your urine. Due to the fact that your body cannot store vitamin B6 it must be replenished on a daily basis, through either the foods you eat or in supplement form.
There are many benefits of vitamin B6 that your body will reap from receiving the proper amount of this vitamin, which include:
- Aids in maintaining the function of a healthy brain.
- Helps to synthesize essential antibodies that are necessary for fighting certain diseases.
- Can help provide normal nerve function in the body and plays an important part in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, it plays an important role in nerve cell communication.
- Aids the process of forming new and healthy red blood cells.
- Is used in the break down and digestive process of proteins, which means that if you consume a large amount of protein each day you will need to increase your intake of vitamin B6.
If the proper foods or supplements are not consumed each day you may experience a vitamin B6 deficiency. Some tell-tale signs that you may suffer from this type of deficiency include: irritability, morning sickness (typically only seen in pregnant women), sore tongue, confusing, can lead to depression, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, women who are severely deficient in Vitamin B6 during pregnancy and the condition goes untreated, has led to cases of stillborn babies. In most cases the deficiency can be easily treated by taking a vitamin B6 supplement or changing your dietary habits. However, if you suspect you may suffer a deficiency you should consult your doctor to have a simple blood test performed.