Let’s Talk About Vitamin B6

If there is one piece of health advice most people can agree on, it’s the fact that you need to get enough nutrients for your body to function at peak performance.

Beyond that, however, things can get a little confusing.

There are so many different vitamins and nutrients your body needs – how do you know which ones you are getting in your diet, which ones you might need to take supplements for, and what do they all do, anyway?

As a provider of naturopathic nutritional counselling services in Toronto I want to help you make sense of the vast world of vitamins and nutrients.

Today we’re going to take a closer look at vitamin B6, it’s benefits, how to add it to your diet, and signs of vitamin B6 deficiencies.

Then, if you think you do need to take a supplement I can help you to find the best vitamin B complex for your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about this important nutrient.

What Is Vitamin B6?

Part of the B complex group of vitamins, vitamin B6 is used in multiple psychological and physical functions.

Some of the things this vitamin plays a role in include:

• Supporting nerve function
• Assisting with liver function
• Metabolizing fats, sugar, and protein
• A natural solution for healthy skin
• Immune system support
• Eye health

Vitamin B6 is water soluble, which means your body will use what it needs, and then get rid of the rest of it through your urine, and therefore it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough on a daily basis for your body to use.

Other water soluble vitamins include:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
• Biotin (vitamin B7)
• Folate (vitamin B9)
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C

Health Benefits Of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important in a variety of functions related to your brain, cardiovascular system, and general overall health.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at why getting enough vitamin B6 is important.

1. It Keeps Your Brain Healthy

If you want to ensure brain health, one step you can take is ensuring you get enough vitamin B6.

It helps your brain produce hormones which control concentration, mood, and energy such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

In addition, a deficiency in vitamin B6 has been linked to memory issues, cognitive decline, and instances of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Vitamin B6 helps control levels of homocysteine, high levels of which can lead to damage to neurons and the central nervous system.

If you’re dealing with hormonal issues, naturopathic treatments will often include looking at your vitamin levels, including vitamin B6.

The same is true with chronic fatigue naturopathic treatments.

2. It Keep Your Blood Vessels Healthy

Homocysteine, the amino acid mentioned in the brain health section above, can also affect your blood vessels.

Elevated homocysteine levels can lead to inflammation, as well as issues with blood vessels and an increased incidence of heart disease.

Taking vitamin B6 can help repair damage to blood vessels and in the process can help improve heart health.

RELATED: Naturopathic Treatment For Heart Disease

3. It’s Part Of A Treatment For Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which you don’t get enough oxygen to your body’s tissues.

One reason for this can be due to your body not creating enough red blood cells, or because red blood cells are not fully developed.

A 2015 article in the journal Advances in Nutrition notes one cause of anemia can be linked to vitamin B6 deficiency.

Thus, raising your vitamin B6 levels can help treat some forms of anemia, which is why naturopathic solutions for anemia often include vitamin B6.

4. It Can Lower Your Risk Of Cancer

There are a lot of claims regarding foods and supplements which may help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

While there is no one “silver bullet” which will make you immune to ever developing cancer, there are things which can help lower your risk, and vitamin B6 is one of them.

Researchers in a 2017 study found epidemiological evidence that vitamin B6 could be used to reduce the risk of cancer and tumours of the gastrointestinal tract in particular.

5. It May Help Manage Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by issues with impulse control, inattention, and overactivity.

One potential cause of ADHD in children are low levels of serotonin.

Because vitamin B6 plays a vital role in serotonin production, it may help manage this condition.

Signs Of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Although relatively uncommon, vitamin B6 deficiency is more likely to occur in the elderly, individuals with alcohol dependence, reduced kidney function, or autoimmune disease.

Signs to watch for include:

• Confusion
• Mood swings and irritability
• Tiredness
• Sore and painful muscles
• Symptoms of anemia getting worse
• Symptoms of PMS worsening
• Mouth sores
• Neurological symptoms including migraines and seizures

Dietary Sources Of Vitamin B6

If you are looking to get more vitamin B6 in your diet, consider adding some of the following foods:

• Sunflower and sesame seeds
• Fortified cereals
• Grass fed beef
• Banana
• Chicken and Turkey breast
• Blackstrap molasses
• Pistachios
• Potatoes
• Pinto beans
• Tuna
• Avocado

Can You Overdose On Vitamin B6?

Because B6 is water soluble and your body gets rid of any extra through your urine, overdosing is difficult, but not impossible.

Overdosing is most likely if you’re taking B6 supplements, and symptoms can include:

• Lowered ability to sense pain
• Numbness
• Excessive thirst
• Poor muscle control and coordination
• Needing to urinate more than usual
• Flushed skin
• Painful skin lesions
• Being sensitive to the sun
• Nausea
• Heartburn

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, Today

Are you still confused about nutrition?

Do you worried that due to dietary restrictions you might not be getting enough vitamin B6 – or any other nutrient?

Have you recently had a change to the way you eat, and now you’re experiencing symptoms you haven’t had before?

Navigating the world of nutrition can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m Dr. Sheila Dyer, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I can help you with nutritional counselling services to ensure you’re getting everything you need.

Book an appointment with me today to get started.