3 Reasons You Should Be Getting Enough Vitamin B6
This tip is courtesy of the new, improved Weil Vitamin Advisor. Visit today for your free, personalized recommendation.
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow brain and nerve cells to communicate with one another. Pyridoxine also ensures that metabolic processes such as fat and protein metabolism run smoothly, and is important for immune system function in older individuals.
It may also help address a number of conditions, including:
- Nerve compression injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Some cases of depression and arthritis
It is also part of a regimen used to treat high homocysteine levels along with folic acid and vitamin B12. Memory loss, diabetes, asthma attacks, high blood pressure, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), kidney stones, lung cancer, acne and atherosclerosis may also be alleviated with vitamin B6 supplementation as it lowers one’s homocysteine level; often in combination with B12 and folate.
Good food sources of vitamin B6 include brewer’s yeast, whole grains, legumes, vegetables (especially carrots, spinach and peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish and sunflower seeds.
Try these recipes that offer up B6:
Dr. Weil recommends taking B6 as part of a complete daily B-complex supplement that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including thiamine, B12, folate, riboflavin and niacin. Learn more at the Weil Vitamin Advisor.
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