You hear all about them in every day conversation but what do you really know about vitamins? Everyone knows that they’re good for us but how are they good for us? Give us the details, please!
Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and aids over 100 enzymes in your body. It plays a role in sleep (through different neurotransmitters), immune function, and cardiovascular health as well as helping metabolize amino acids.
Vitamin B6 can be found in beans, bananas, potatoes, meat, and nuts. Its involved in at least 100 reactions in your body and it takes many forms. All of them help make coenzymes that assist in the metabolism of proteins and amino acids. These coenzymes help transfer amino acids, break them apart, strip them of carbon-containing groups of atoms, and more.
All cells require these functions, so Vitamin B6 has a wide-ranging impact on your body. The important systems and processes involved:
- Transformation of glycogen (a large sugar molecule stored in the body) into glucose (a sugar that can be used for energy)
- Immune function by supporting immune-cell production
- Modulating hormones and fat metabolism
- Synthesis of neurotransmitters that affect your nervous system
- Regulating blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is important for the maintenance of cardiovascular health
Vitamin B6 needs riboflavin, niacin, and zinc for activation so, you need a balance of B vitamins and zinc to go with the food and supplementary sources of Vitamin B6. You can’t overdo it – exceeding 100 milligrams per day has been associated with adverse effects, including neurological toxicity.
So let’s review – Vitamin B6 is an essential water-soluble vitamin critical for assisting many different enzymes and play a important role in your sleep. All extremely good reasons to make Vitamin B6 a part of your daily life and nutritional plan.
