Vitamin B6: the indispensable helper

Vitamin B6is the collective name for the vitamin B6 substances pyridoxol, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Pyridoxine, like many other B vitamins, is also involved in metabolism as a coenzyme of an enzyme. In this way, it is involved in more than 100 reactions of amino acid metabolism and is therefore indispensable for protein metabolism.

What are the functions of vitamin B6?

In addition to hiscentral importance for protein metabolismVitamin B6 is also important for theFormation of neurotransmitters(messenger substances) in the brain, influences the formation and action of certain hormones and stimulates the immune system. It is also responsible for the body's own production ofVitamins Niacinfrom tryptophan. Vitamin B6 is involved in the formation of connective tissue and influences the formation and effectiveness of certain hormones. It also promotes cell specialization in childhood and pregnancy. Of allB vitaminsis vitamin B6the most important vitamin for a healthy immune systemVitamin B6 is also important – in combination withFolic acidandVitamin B12- for theDegradation of the substance homocysteineIf the vitamins are not present in sufficient quantities in the body, homocysteine ​​accumulates in the body. This leads to an increased homocysteine ​​level in the blood, which is considered a risk factor for arteriosclerosis.

Use of vitamin B6

An increased need for vitamin B6 can be effectively compensated by appropriate dietary supplements, e.g.during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Deficiency situations also arise from alcoholism, feverish illnesses andwith long-term medication useAntibiotics, antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) in particular can cause a vitamin B6 deficiency.

Other areas of application for vitamin B6 preparations:

In case of anemia (anemia): In newborns, vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to anemia and convulsions.

Prevention of arteriosclerosis: If homocysteine ​​levels are elevated, a good supply of vitamin B6 in combination with folic acid and vitamin B12 is important.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: The nerve disorder in the hands, which manifests itself in weakness, numbness and pain in the fingers, can be alleviated with vitamin B6. Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs and other forms of nerve inflammation can also be influenced by vitamin B6.

Premenstrual syndrome: Symptoms such as mood swings, edema, acne, breast tenderness caused by premenstrual syndrome may be related to vitamin B6 deficiency.

Which foods contain vitamin B6?

In fish, offal, chicken, beef, pork, whole wheat bread and pulses. Our bodies can absorb and utilize almost all of the pyridoxine from foods of animal origin. Pyridoxine from plant-based foods, on the other hand, is less usable.

Am I lacking vitamin B6?

A deficiency first manifests itself inSkin changesand innervous disordersLater, muscle weakness and anemia occur. Other deficiency symptoms include growth disorders,sore corners of the mouth, kidney stones, fatigue, depression, insomnia and susceptibility to infections.

If just one of the following applies, your supply of vitamin B6 could be too low:

* Do you eat too few whole grain products and few legumes?

* Do you hardly eat raw food?

* Do you drink alcohol regularly?

* Do you eat a very one-sided diet?

* Do you regularly follow weight loss diets?