Maintaining a positive outlook can be even more difficult during the cold and dark months, when we lack the all-important natural sunlight to help us survive. Serotonin is one of the body’s hero signaling molecules and helps regulate our sense of well-being and well-being. According to A recent study by the University of Oxford found that Additionally, serotonin plays a central role in so-called effortful cognitive processes, including the ability to control undesirable behavioral patterns. Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) is a great booster of neurotransmitter production, so it’s worth paying attention to whether you have a healthy intake.
Nutritionist and Founder Alta Leanne Stevenson We outline five important things to know about vitamin B6, including how to spot the signs of deficiency.
Vitamin B6 is important for many aspects of our health
Vitamin B6, essential for cognitive health, hormonal balance, and mood, is “required for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin,” Stevenson says. Furthermore, it is an important vitamin for healthy “synthesis and balance of sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.”
Vitamin B6 is also “key to the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and is also required for the absorption of vitamin B12,” Stevenson continues. Vitamin B6 critically aids the body’s formation of red blood cells and normal nerve function.
Vitamin B6 can be used to solve mood-related problems
Because of its important role in helping produce hormones that control our mood, vitamin B6 is often used to help with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression that cause low mood, stress, and irritability. Stevenson explains. It is particularly important for women’s health, and is “consumed in sufficient quantities as a prenatal and fertility supplement to support hormonal balance.”
Signs of B6 deficiency
Common symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency “include altered mental status, neurological problems, skin rashes, and cracked corners of the mouth,” Stevenson says. Vitamin B6 deficiency “can contribute to hormonal imbalances, worsening PMS and menstrual irregularities, while severe deficiency can cause dermatitis and anemia,” she added.
Vitamin B6 can be obtained from food
Stevenson says the foods most rich in vitamin B6 include “fish, beef liver, chicken, turkey, beef, chickpeas, leafy green vegetables, and all starchy vegetables.” Anyone following a plant-based diet can get sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 from beans, lentils, and a variety of greens and greens, she added.
If you’re concerned about a vitamin deficiency, talk to your doctor
If you’re concerned that you have a vitamin B6 deficiency, talk to your doctor, Stevenson says. Your doctor will explain that they can perform blood tests to find out what’s going on and how to deal with it.
Always ask your doctor’s advice before making a supplement plan.
