The importance of Vitamin B6
The importance of Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an essential role in the breakdown and construction of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This versatile vitamin is essential for crucial body functions, including growth, blood production, the immune system and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Why Vitamin B6?
1. Balanced blood sugar levels:
- Vitamin B6 is vital for the conversion of carbohydrate stores into glucose, which ensures stable blood sugar levels between meals.
2. Important role in fat metabolism:
- It supports the conversion of fats, allowing rapid transmission of nerve impulses.
3. Crucial for Protein Synthesis:
- Vitamin B6 is essential for the conversion of proteins, including the important collagen for the skin, and for the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6:
Get your daily dose of vitamin B6 from foods such as meat, eggs, fish, grain products, potatoes, vegetables and milk. Keep in mind that B6 is sensitive to light and heat, and boiling in water can lead to loss of this valuable vitamin.Causes of shortages:
- Grow: Children and pregnant women need extra vitamin B6 for healthy development.
- Old age: Older people tend to eat a diet that is poor in B6 and process it less efficiently.
- Influence of the pill, smoking and diseases: Birth control pills, smoking, alcohol, coffee and certain chronic diseases can lead to a vitamin B6 deficiency.
Applications for optimal health:
Discover the versatile benefits of vitamin B6:- Arteriosclerosis: Reduces platelet clotting, lowers LDL, increases HDL cholesterol and lowers homocysteine levels.
- Arthritis and asthma: Supports swelling in joints and reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
- Anemia and carpal tunnel syndrome: Together with iron and vitamin A, B6 helps with anemia and treats nerve disorders in the hands.
- Hyperactivity and cramps: Beneficial for hyperactive children and known for its antispasmodic effect together with magnesium.
- Hormonal balance: Plays a role in hormone balance, production of neurotransmitters and prostaglandins together with folic acid and B12.
Consequences of a disturbed Vitamin B6 balance:
Do you experience symptoms such as anemia, increased risk of arteriosclerosis, tickling feeling in hands and feet, muscle cramps, tremors, irritability, anxiety or insomnia? A disturbed vitamin B6 balance could be the cause.Daily amount:
Take care of your well-being with the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6:- Men: 1,5 milligrams
- Women: 1,5 milligrams
