Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps the body to maintain a healthy nervous system and to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body to provide energy from the food that we eat. It helps to balance blood sugar levels, to act as a natural pain treatment, to boost mood, and to also create antibodies that our immune system uses to protect us. B6 is used by the body in major functions such as movement, memory, blood flow and energy expenditure.

Symptoms Linked to B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency:

  • Changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety and depression
  • Confusion
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Muscle pains
  • Worsening of PMS symptoms
  • Worsening symptoms of anemia
  • Deficiency linked most commonly with neuropsychiatric disorders, including seizures, migraines, chronic pain and mood disorders like depression

Health Problems Associated to B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency: 

  • ADHD – Evidence suggests high dose supplementation of B6 is as effective as Ritalin for ADHD, probably due to its role in raising serotonin levels.
  • Anxiety – B6 is a cofactor in synthesis of calming neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobuytric acid), serotonin & dopamine.
  • Autism – B6 is a cofactor for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Conversion of B6 to its active form is compromised in many autistics. Supplementation trials with B6 resulted in better eye contact, speech and less self-stimulator behavior in autistics. Some consider B6 in combination with magnesium to be a breakthrough treatment for autism.
  • Asthma – B6 binds with the chemical that causes airway constriction (histamine) and inactivates it. The common asthma drug theophylline depletes B6.
  • Depression – B6 is a cofactor for serotonin and dopamine production (feel good chemicals). Studies indicate that low levels may predispose people to depression.
  • Estrogen – B6 protects genes from estrogen-induced damage, thus lowering risk of hormone related cancers. Detoxifies excess estrogen via methylation pathway. Estrogen-based oral contraceptives cause B6 deficiency.
  • Fatigue – B vitamins are necessary for converting food into energy. Cofactors in the mitochondrial respiratory chain include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Folate (B9).
  • Gastrointestinal Health – B6 deficiency is strongly linked with a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
  • Female Fertility – Both vitamins B6 & B12 are needed to convert toxic homocysteine to a benign form. Low homocysteine levels linked to a better chance of pregnancy.
  • Hypothyroidism – A deficiency in B6, B12 or Folate (B9) can cause elevated homocysteine which is linked with hypothyroidism. Folate levels have been linked to levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
  • Hypertension – B6 lowers homocysteine, a toxin that makes arteries stiff and raises blood pressure. Low B6 is strongly linked to hypertension.
  • Inflammation – Low B6 status is linked to high levels of CRP and systemic inflammation.
  • Insomnia – Vitamin B6 and Folate (B9) are cofactors for several neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, many of which regulate sleep patterns.
  • Methylation – B6 is a cofactor for the enzyme (serine hydroxyl methyl transferase) that transfers methyl units.
  • Pain – Vitamins B1, B2, B2, and B12 produce a dose dependent decrease in various kinds of pain (heat, pressure, chemical. They increase sensitivity to pain meds. Their effect is likely mediated through serotonergic neurotransmitters.
  • Sports Nutrition – B vitamins are cofactors for efficient energy metabolism from food. Synthesizing red blood cells require Folate (B9) and B12. Deficiencies in various B vitamins may slow healing in sports injuries.
  • Telomeres – Crucial for proper DNA methylation.
  • Testosterone – B6 regulates sex hormones. Vitamin B6 reduces prolactin which stimulates hypothalamus to increase testosterone. B6 is also a cofactor for dopamine synthesis which influences testosterone levels.

How to Acquire B6 (Pyridoxine):

  • Turkey Breast
  • Grass-Fed Beef
  • Pistachio Nuts
  • Tuna
  • Pinto Beans
  • Avocado
  • Chicken Breast
  • Sunflower Seeds

How to Acquire B6 (Pyridoxine)