TIETOPAKETIT

Vitamin B6 supports mood, memory, and metabolism

Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal brain function and particularly functions related to memory.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxal phosphate

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxal phosphate, is one of the B-group vitamins. It supports the normal functioning of the central nervous system and produces neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and serotonin. These neurotransmitters affect mood, among other things.

Like other B vitamins, B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not stored in the body, but excess vitamin is excreted with urine. Therefore, it must be obtained from food daily.

What are the functions of vitamin B6?

The functions of vitamin B6 include:

• Vitamin B6 is involved in the metabolism of proteins and glucose and in the construction of hemoglobin.
• B6 is important for normal brain development and function.
• B6 helps the immune system stay healthy.
• All B vitamins maintain a healthy nervous system.
• B6 is involved in converting carbohydrates, fat, and proteins into energy.
• Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Brain neurons communicate with each other using neurotransmitters. A deficiency in any neurotransmitter can lead to mental health issues. For example, a lack of serotonin is associated with depression.

Where can I order a vitamin B6 measurement?

You can order a vitamin B6 measurement from Puhti’s online store. All Puhti tests can be ordered without a doctor’s referral. You can also combine the test with, for example, the popular Puhti laboratory package. Order the tests at once, so the laboratory test can be completed in one go. You can easily order a doctor’s remote consultation directly from the end of the result report if you want to discuss your results and health, if the results deviate from reference values, if you have symptoms, or if there is suspicion of illness.

Vitamin B6 reference values (fB-B6-Vit)

The reference values for vitamin B6 are 59-182 nmol/l for everyone.

The notation nmol/l means nanomoles per liter.

Reference values vary depending on the laboratory and the analysis method used.

Vitamin B6 intake recommendation

The intake recommendations for vitamin B6 are:

Can you get too much vitamin B6?

Sometimes you can get too much vitamin B6. Usually, it is not possible to get a symptom-causing overdose of vitamin B6 through food, but symptoms are related to the use of supplements.

There are age-specific safe upper limits for B6 use, which are shown in the following table.

What can excessive vitamin B6 intake cause?

Excessive vitamin B6 intake can cause:

• loss of muscle control
• skin damage
• heartburn and nausea
• sensitivity to sunlight
• numbness
• reduced ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• elevated liver values.

If you use a vitamin B6 supplement and experience such symptoms, it is advisable to stop using the supplement.

Benefits of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays a role in many functions, which we will go through next.

Brain function & vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal brain function and particularly functions related to memory.

Pregnancy nausea & vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 has been used to treat pregnancy nausea, but there is no scientific evidence of its benefit. It is important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B6. The daily intake recommendation for pregnant women is 1.5 mg.

Enzymes & vitamin B6

B6 is involved in the production of digestive enzymes, takes care of skin and hair health, and participates in the formation of new red blood cells.

Neurotransmitters & vitamin B6

A sufficient amount of all neurotransmitters is important for mental health. Vitamin B6 is needed in the production of neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B6 & dementia risk

When the brain functions properly and cognitive abilities are good, the risk of developing dementia diseases is lower. However, the possible connection between vitamin B6 and dementia is unclear, and current knowledge does not support reducing dementia risk with B-vitamin supplements.

Why is vitamin B6 tested?

The concentration of the vitamin is usually tested if the person has symptoms indicating a deficiency and there is reason to suspect a deficiency condition.

What results from vitamin B6 deficiency?

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to nerve damage in the hands and feet.

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include skin inflammations, mouth ulcers, swollen tongue and mouth, and confusion.

How do I ensure sufficient intake of vitamin B6?

The best way to ensure sufficient intake of vitamin B6 is a balanced diet.

Which foods contain vitamin B6 (sources of vitamin B6)?

The following foods are rich in vitamin B6:

• bananas
• whole grain products
• legumes
• vegetables, especially carrots, peas, and spinach
• potatoes
• milk
• cheese
• fish
• sunflower seeds
• meat products.

Finns’ vitamin B6 intake

Finns generally get the vitamin B6 they need from their diet. However, if you suspect your intake is insufficient, or if a deficiency has been diagnosed, you can take a supplement containing the vitamin. This can also be done in special life situations, such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Limiting alcohol consumption and weight loss in overweight individuals also affect vitamin levels.

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