A vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to
- restlessness and irritability
- depression
- poor short-term memory and attention deficit in children
- psychosis
- insomnia
- epilepsy that does not respond to standard treatment
What vitamin B6 does in the body
- maintains mental balance
- supports the absorption of B12 and the production of B3
- takes part in the production of hydrochloric acid
- supports the synthesis of antibodies, haemoglobin and serotonin
- stimulates growth
- supports the absorption of magnesium
- activates linoleic acid
- takes part in the synthesis of DNA and RNA
Sources of B6
Pine pollen from New Era is a rich source of B6, as is the B-complex oral spray.
This important vitamin is also found in:
- turkey breast
- grass-fed beef
- pistachios
- tuna
- pinto beans
- avocado
- chicken breast
- blackstrap molasses
- sunflower seeds
- sesame
Vitamin B6 is particularly recommended for
- nausea in pregnancy
- supporting the nervous system
- normal immune function and hormonal regulation
- allergies
- arthritis
- hair loss
- digestive upset
- tooth decay
- stress
- premenstrual syndrome
Vitamin B6 affects GABA signalling — meaning it acts directly on neurotransmitters and on mental health. Not everyone absorbs the ordinary form of this vitamin; some people take only its active form, P5P. Nor does everyone find it relaxing: some react with more anxiety, in which case other options are used, such as GABA taken directly, or theanine. And magnesium, of course, is taken in every case.
Some people with anxiety or depression are able to reduce their symptoms with vitamin B6, which may let them avoid the side effects of long-term use of certain medicines, such as benzodiazepines — sedation, imbalance or memory loss.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com — "Vitamin B6 may reduce anxiety symptoms, study shows".
