HAYA Vitamin B6: Maintains a healthy immune system
Advantages:
- A major component for normal development and functioning of the brain
- Important for metabolism of red blood cells
- Necessary for forming of more than 100 enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble member of vitamin B group. It is sometimes known as a "draft horse" nutrient because it is part of over 100 biological functions of the body. Vitamin B6 is mainly coenzyme, which means that it interacts with other enzymes to maintain the chemical reactions in the cells. The analyzes show that almost a third of adults are suffering from a deficiency of this element, and almost half of women did not take the reference daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins (which could be due to the fact that oral contraceptives depleted its contents). B6 participates in the formation of red blood cells, helps cells to produce proteins, creates neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin and helps to release the stored energy.
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is part of the essential nutrients complex known as the B group vitamins. Vitamin B6, known as pyridoxine, is one of the most important nutrients needed to maintain good physical and mental health. This particular vitamin is needed for the production of more than 100 different enzymes used by the body for metabolism of proteins. Vitamin B6 also participates in the breakdown of protein in the food.
How vitamin B6 acts?
Vitamin B6 helps your body to produce several neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another. It is essential for normal brain function and helps the body to produce hormones serotonin and norepinephrine (which influence mood) and melatonin (which helps regulate sleep). A deficiency of this vitamin is rare, although studies show that many people may have a slight shortage, especially in children and elderly. Some medicines can cause lower levels of B6 in the body. Symptoms of a serious deficiency include muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating and loss of working memory.