Women of childbearing age (with hormone-related issues): A national survey found that women of childbearing age were more likely to have low levels of B6 compared to their male counterparts. There are certain groups of people who are especially at risk for suboptimal levels, including: However, low or suboptimal levels of vitamin B6 are more common and can leave us more vulnerable to the harmful effects of stress. Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include seizures, anemia, and seborrheic dermatitis. It mainly occurs in the setting of serious medical conditions. True vitamin B6 deficiency is fortunately rare. In order to effectively handle stress emotionally and physically, it’s important to have optimal levels of B6. Physical toxins and infections: Animal studies have found that B6 may reduce brain inflam mation and cell dea th and prevent memory loss associated with meningitis infection. These neurotransmitters can help us feel more stable and less overwhelmed in the face of trauma or day-to-day stressors.īiological effects of stress: Over time, stress hormones like cortisol can cause damage to the brain and body, resulting in problems including memory loss and stomach ulcers. Psychological effects of stress: B6 helps produce calming neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA.

Vitamin B6 is arguably the most important B vitamin for mental and brain health because it is critical for making neurotransmitters and can help minimize the harmful effects of stress, including: Chronic or long-term stress can actually change the brain’s biology and make us more vulnerable to conditions like depression and anxiety. However, handling stress isn’t just about being mentally strong enough. Most of us know how stress can affect our mood and energy levels during the day. In addition to its many tasks in the body, B6 is also busy at work in the brain. Over time, stressors like high blood sugar and inflammation can cause damage to our cells and tissues, leading to more serious conditions like diabetes. Protecting us from the effects of stress. Too much homocysteine can be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Notably, it helps to break down the amino acid homocysteine. Its two main roles include:īuilding and breaking down molecules, including amino acids, fats, and neurotransmitters. There are six different forms of B6, and pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (a.k.a PLP or P-5-P) is the most active form that the body can easily use for important functions.ī6 is like a busy, productive factory worker that operates in over 150 pathways in the body. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that we must get through our food, as our bodies can’t make on their own. What are the best vitamin B6 supplements?

What are vitamin B6 benefits? What conditions is it helpful for? In this article, we shine a spotlight on B6 and answer questions including: While true vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, there are many people who may benefit from increasing their B6 levels, including those with inflammatory conditions. More specifically, B6 plays a protective role in shielding us from the harmful effects of psychological and biological stress, which can result in conditions like diabetes, depression, and heart disease in the long run. Though it might not be the most popular vitamin on the market, research shows that vitamin B6 has many “anti-stress” properties. If you’ve ever struggled to manage your stress levels, you might have considered taking health supplements to help.

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