Vitamin B6 is a water soluble vitamin and a part of the B-complex family. It is also commonly referred to as Pyridoxine or Pyridoxal Phosphate. Due to its rapid metabolism and solubility, it takes only 8 hours for it to travel throughout the body. Therefore, it is important that this vitamin be replenished regularly.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the production of healthy hemoglobin by making more iron available. It also directly participates in the production of the mood,sleep and Serotonin, the hormone that regulates the appetite. Just like the other vitamins in the B-Complex family, Pyridoxine participates in the metabolism process that converts fats, carbohydrates and proteins into a form of energy that the body can utilize. Vitamin B6 also plays a crucial role in the production of over 60 different types of hormones,neurotransmitters,enzymes and prostaglandins.
Some known advantages of Vitamin B6 is that it helps prevent the formation of painful kidney stones and adequate amounts of Pyridoxine actually promote a healthy immune system. Vitamin B6 is known to reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the blood and it is because of this function fatty that, plaque deposits do not form easily on artery walls. This vitamin also combines with Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Some common sources of Vitamin B6 include fish, milk, eggs, poultry, nuts, brown rice, whole grains, bananas, soybeans, carrots and avocados.
Medical experts recommend the average daily dose of Vitamin B6 to be 1.6 mg for women and 2 mg for men.This is one of the few vitamins that, if taken in excess can actually be toxic for health.Consumption of more than 2 mg of Pyridoxine a day can cause irreversible damage to the nerve endings and to the entire nervous system.Although up to 500 mg/day is considered high, this level still is considered safe.
Individuals who suffer from a Vitamin B6 deficiency can experience depression, tiredness, insomnia, loss of appetite, anemia, hair loss and dry or cracked skin on the tongue or lips.In severe cases it can lead to a complete breakdown of the central nervous system.If left untreated, those who are affected can become anemic, irritable or go into convulsions.
Individuals who consume excessive alcohol, babies, children, women who are pregnant or who are taking birth control pills, elderly people and teenagers are more vulnerable to developing a Vitamin B6 deficiency because all these factors affect the body’s ability to properly absorb this vital vitamin.
By: Mike Singh
Vitamin B6 Or Pyridoxine – What Role Does This Vitamin Play In The Human Body?
by adminDo You Lack Vitamins?
by adminEveryone knows that the human body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday to function properly and remain healthy. A well balanced diet can supply your body with the vitamins it needs, although problems and disorders can arise if your diet doesn’t supply your body with the vitamins it needs. The symptoms of vitamin deficiency will normally present themselves when the lack of vitamins is at an advanced level.
Those who don’t get enough of vitamins A, B1, and B2 for example, will always feel tired, along with a loss of appetite. Other symptoms include mental and emotional stress, chapped lips, and other annoying or painful habits.
The most common causes of deficiency include a poor diet, alcoholism, stress, a lack of vitamins, or medicine that interferes with your ingestion of vitamins. If you are always feeling tired or feeling a lack of energy, you are probably short on the vitamins that your body needs to have on a daily basis. If you visit your doctor and tell him the problem, he will probably recommend vitamins and supplements that will give you want you need. Whatever you do, you should never overdo it and try to catch up on what you’ve been missing – as this will do you more harm than good.
Even though you may be following a healthy diet, you’ll still need to take vitamins and supplements. No matter how healthy you eat, you should still use the right vitamins and supplements to give your body what it needs. Vitamins are a great back up source, as they will provide your body with the minerals and nutrients it needs in the event of your diet failing you.
Before or after every meal that you consume, you should take vitamins or supplements. If you have a deficiency in a certain vitamin or vitamins, you should make sure that you never miss taking the vitamin you need. Even though you may not realize it, being deficient in a vitamin can greatly damper your performance as well as the overall health of your body.
When you look for supplements, you should always look for those that contain vitamins B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid. Along with being considered dietary supplements, these well known vitamins will help to fight cancer and help your heart remain healthy. The combination of these vitamins will help your body to remain healthy, boost your immune system, and keep you feeling refreshed.
To remain healthy and keep your body operating as it should, you’ll need to invest in vitamins and supplements. You can find them online or at local nutrition stores, many of which won’t cost you much money at all. No matter what your age may be, you’ll need to ensure that you are eating the right foods and taking the right foods. Keep in mind that you should never replace food with vitamins, as they are more less meant to give you additional nutrients and minerals.
Anytime you aren’t able to eat the right food, you should always turn to vitamin supplements to give your body what it needs. Supplements and vitamins are one of the best investments you can make, as everyone needs vitamins in their body. Even though the costs may add up over time, it is more than worth it when you think about. For what you spend in vitamins and supplements, you’ll be keeping your body healthy – and preventing a deficiency in vitamins. Although vitamin deficiency is very common these days, it doesn’t have to be.
By: Jake Saab
