B vitamins don’t get a lot of attention, but they are soooooo important for health. The entire family of B complex vitamins work synergistically together, but each has their own special function.
One of my favorites?
✨ Vitamin B6 ✨
Our bodies cannot make vitamin B6, so we need to get it from foods. It is water-soluble, meaning that we don’t store it and need to consume it regularly.
Here are 10 health benefits of vitamin B6:
1️⃣Mood Support
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for enzymes needed to make neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood—including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
2️⃣Healthy Periods
Vitamin B6 plays a role in estrogen metabolism and has been shown to reduce some common issues related to PMS—like irritability and anxiousness.
3️⃣Morning Sickness
Possibly because of its role in estrogen metabolism, vitamin B6 can be helpful for women struggling with nausea during pregnancy.
4️⃣Sleep Support
Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of serotonin, which then converts into melatonin to support sleep.
5️⃣Brain & Heart Health
Vitamin B6 is one of three key vitamins (along with B12 and folate) that influence homocysteine metabolism. Keeping homocysteine levels in check plays a role in maintaining brain health and cardiovascular health with age.
6️⃣Immune System Support
Vitamin B6 helps support the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies and white blood cells. It also plays a role in the growth and maintenance of immune cells.
7️⃣Energy Boost
As part of the B complex vitamins, vitamin B6 is essential for converting food into energy. It helps to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and turn them into usable energy for the body. This makes it an important nutrient for overall energy levels and vitality.
8️⃣Skin Health
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It helps to promote wound healing and prevents skin inflammation. Additionally, it supports the absorption of key nutrients that are important for skin health, such as vitamin C and zinc. Incorporating vitamin B6 into your diet can help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.
9️⃣Digestive Health
Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid, which helps break down and digest food. It also supports the functioning of the digestive system by assisting in the metabolism and absorption of nutrients. Adequate intake of vitamin B6 can help prevent digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
🔟Eye Health
Vitamin B6 is important for maintaining healthy eyesight, as it helps to protect the retina and prevent age-related macular degeneration. It also supports the production of tears, which help keep the eyes lubricated and prevent dryness and irritation. Incorporating vitamin B6 into your diet can help promote long-term eye health.
Usually vitamin B6 is taken in combination with other B vitamins, but there are times when supplementing it alone is best. Vitamin B6 also works synergistically with magnesium for many body processes (so they are great to take together!).
So next time you think of vitamin B6, don’t just associate it with one or two benefits – remember all the ways it can contribute to a healthy body and mind! Make sure to incorporate foods rich in this vitamin such as chicken, fish, bananas, and chickpeas into your daily diet. And if needed, consider supplementing with a B complex to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient. Your body will thank you! 💪🏼💚
