What are the benefits of Vitamin B6?

Updated by Chrissy Rojas

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in numerous physiological processes, especially those that contribute to a healthy, energetic body and mind.

Ketone-IQ + Caffeine contains 3mg (176% of your Daily Value) of Vitamin B6 per shot.

1. Mood Regulation

Vitamin B6 is crucial in synthesizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are essential for mood regulation. Studies have shown that adequate levels of Vitamin B6 can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  • Serotonin Production: Serotonin is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. (1,2)
  • Dopamine and GABA: Both neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood and emotional response. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to irritability, nervousness, and mood swings. (3,4)

2. Brain Function

Vitamin B6 supports cognitive development and brain health by participating in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin, the protective sheath around nerves.

  • Cognitive Development: In children, adequate Vitamin B6 is crucial for brain development and function. It aids in the production of neurotransmitters that are vital for learning and memory. (1,5)
  • Neuroprotection: In adults, Vitamin B6 may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Studies suggest that it can lower homocysteine levels, an amino acid linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. (6)

3. Immune System Support

Vitamin B6 is essential for maintaining a robust immune system. It plays a role in the production of antibodies and supports the biochemical reactions in the immune system.

  • Antibody Production: Vitamin B6 is necessary for the formation of antibodies, which are crucial for the immune response to infections. (7)
  • Immune Cell Function: It supports the function of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and the production of cytokines, which are involved in immune responses. (8,9,10)

4. Red Blood Cell Production

Vitamin B6 is vital for hemoglobin production, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It also aids in the synthesis of heme, a component of hemoglobin.

  • Hemoglobin Synthesis: Adequate levels of Vitamin B6 ensure the proper production of hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport and overall vitality. (12)
  • Anemia Prevention: Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Deficiency can contribute to anemia, and studies have shown that B6 supplementation can improve hemoglobin levels in individuals with anemia caused by B6 deficiency (1, 11,12,13)

References

  1. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Vitamin B6: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
  2. Ueland P. M. (2011). Choline and betaine in health and disease. Journal of inherited metabolic disease, 34(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10545-010-9088-4
  3. Stach, K., Stach, W., & Augoff, K. (2021). Vitamin B6 in Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(9), 3229. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093229
  4. Dakshinamurti, K. (2015). Vitamin B6 in human nutrition. In J. J. F. Gregory, V. R. Preedy, & V. B. Patel (Eds.), B Vitamins and Folate: Chemistry, Analysis, Function and Effects (pp. 221-230). Royal Society of Chemistry. https://books.rsc.org/books/edited-volume/1298/B-Vitamins-and-Folate-Chemistry-Analysis-Function
  5. Spinneker, A., Sola, R., Lemmen, V., Castillo, M. J., Pietrzik, K., & González-Gross, M. (2007). Vitamin B6 status, deficiency and its consequences--an overview. Nutricion hospitalaria, 22(1), 7–24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17260529/
  6. Smith, A. D., & Refsum, H. (2016). Homocysteine, B Vitamins, and Cognitive Impairment. Annual review of nutrition, 36, 211–239. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071715-050947
  7. Calder, P. C., & Jackson, A. A. (2000). Undernutrition, infection and immune function. Nutrition research reviews, 13(1), 3–29. https://doi.org/10.1079/095442200108728981
  8. Ahluwalia N. (2004). Aging, nutrition and immune function. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 8(1), 2–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14730362/
  9. Kumrungsee, T., Zhang, P., Chartkul, M., Yanaka, N., & Kato, N. (2020). Potential Role of Vitamin B6 in Ameliorating the Severity of COVID-19 and Its Complications. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 562051. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.562051
  10. Bird R. P. (2018). The Emerging Role of Vitamin B6 in Inflammation and Carcinogenesis. Advances in food and nutrition research, 83, 151–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.11.004
  11. Bunn H. F. (1997). Pathogenesis and treatment of sickle cell disease. The New England journal of medicine, 337(11), 762–769. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199709113371107
  12. Koury, M. J., & Ponka, P. (2004). New insights into erythropoiesis: the roles of folate, vitamin B12, and iron. Annual review of nutrition, 24, 105–131. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132306
  13. Tangjarukij, C., Navasumrit, P., Zelikoff, J. T., & Ruchirawat, M. (2009). The effects of pyridoxine deficiency and supplementation on hematological profiles, lymphocyte function, and hepatic cytochrome P450 in B6C3F1 mice. Journal of immunotoxicology, 6(3), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/15476910903083866

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