One Star Health Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is one of the most versatile of the B vitamins and yet the body only requires a small amount. Vitamin B6 works closely with all the other B vitamins, especially niacin and folic acid, and contributes to numerous functions in the body. Amino acids are converted by Vitamin B6 into proteins and it is also required for transforming stored sugar within the body into essential energy. Basically, Vitamin B6 is essential for converting the proteins that are consumed into proteins that the body needs and also for converting the carbohydrates from the form that they are stored in the body to a form that can be used for extra energy.

The body requires a number of different proteins and it is Vitamin B6 that ensures that the correct forms are available. For example, Vitamin B6 will create hemoglobin for carrying oxygen in the blood cells, hormones for regulating blood pressure, neurotransmitters and various enzymes.

The recommended daily allowance for the B6 vitamin is only around 2.0mg but this seemingly insignificant amount is used extremely efficiently within the body to produce over sixty different enzymes. The best sources of the B6 vitamin are high-protein foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, and meat and it is also added to breakfast cereals and bread to ensure that everyone is able to consume their recommended daily allowance, even if they do not eat meat products. An additional amount of Vitamin B6 may be beneficial for the heart and immune system. Vitamin B6 supplements are sometimes required by asthmatics and diabetics. However, it is important to be aware that large doses of the Vitamin B6 can be toxic.

As the Vitamin B6 is found in many common foods the majority of people receive sufficient amounts of the vitamin from their normal diet. There are some groups that may need to take a Vitamin B6 supplement to ensure that they obtain the recommended daily allowance. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women will need a slightly higher amount of the Vitamin B6 to allow for the amount of the vitamin that is being absorbed by the baby although it is possible to obtain the extra Vitamin B6 from an increased consumption of high-protein foods. Strict vegetarians or vegans, however, and children who do not eat animal products may need a Vitamin B6 supplement as vegetables and fruits are poor sources of the Vitamin B6.

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me