B6 Vitamin
A Guide To Understanding The Benefits, Functions
& Sources Of The B6 Vitamin To Our Body
The B6 vitamin, also known as pyridoxine, is one of the most
multi-purposes of the B vitamins and yet our body only needs
a small amount to function.
The B6 vitamin works closely with all the other B vitamins,
especially such as the niacin, folic acid, and Cobalamin and
contributes to several functions to our body. Actually, amino
acids are converted by the B6 vitamin into proteins and it
is also needed for transforming stored sugar within the body
into necessary energy. Basically, the B6 vitamin will convert
the proteins that we consume into proteins that the body needs
as well as for converting the carbohydrates from the form
that they are stored in the body to a form that can be used
for extra energy.
Our body needs several different proteins and it is the B6
Vitamin that makes sure that the correct forms are available.
For instance, the B6 vitamin will create hemoglobin for carrying
oxygen in the blood cells, hormones for regulating blood pressure,
neurotransmitters and various enzymes.
Although only 2.0mg is the recommended daily dosage for the
B6 vitamin, but this little amount is used extremely efficiently
within the body to produce over sixty different enzymes. The
best sources of the B6 vitamin are usually the high-protein
foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, and meat. The B6 Vitamin
is also added to breakfast cereals and bread so that we are
able to consume the recommended daily dosage.
An additional amount of the b6 vitamin might do well for
the heart and immune system. B6 vitamin supplements are sometimes
required by asthmatics and diabetics. Keep in mind that, it
is important to be aware that large doses of the B6 vitamin
might be toxic as well. Therefore, you should never take any
vitamins in excessive amount.
How about the sources of the B6 vitamin? Well, this type
of B6 vitamin can be found in many common foods, therefore,
all of us will be able to consume the sufficient amounts of
the vitamin from their normal diet.
However, there are some groups of people that may need to
take a B6 vitamin supplement to make sure that they obtain
the recommended daily allowance. This is especially the pregnant
or breastfeeding women since will need a slightly higher amount
of the B6 vitamin to allow for the amount of the vitamin that
is being absorbed by the baby although it is possible to obtain
the extra B6 vitamin from an increased consumption of high-protein
foods. As for the strict vegetarians or vegans, as well as
children who do not eat animal products, they are the groups
that may need a B6 vitamin supplement as vegetables and fruits
are poor sources of the B6 vitamin.
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