Vitamin B6

Many of the body's metabolic processes depend on the action of the water soluble vitamin B6; this is actually the chemical that plays such a vital role in the release of glucose and the metabolic processing of sugar. With a seven-type variety, vitamin B6 has a pervading role in many of the body's functions, particularly at the brain level. Normally found in food and supplements, it is considered a great way of preventing Parkinson’s disease, not to mention that it is one of the most widely used treatments against several forms of autism. The efficiency of vitamin B6 for various patients suffering from nervous disorders is explained by its role in the formation of the brain chemical serotonin.

When combined with magnesium, vitamin B6 is used for increasing resistance to stress and for the treatment of attention deficit disorders. Studies on groups of patients have revealed an increase in the verbal IQ of the subjects that have taken vitamin B6 for a determinate period of time. Furthermore, some people claim that morning intakes should eliminate alcoholic hangover and pregnancy sickness particularly since the vitamin B6 is known for its mild diuretic effect. Mention should be made that most often, any supplement must be taken on doctor's orders so as to prevent adverse reactions or interactions with other medications.

Moreover, vitamin B6 is an essential element in the making process of the blood cells; hemoglobin in the structure of the red cells is responsible for the oxygen transfer to tissues. Hence, the more vitamin B6, the better oxygenated the blood. This is the reason for which a vitamin B6 deficiency is considered just as serious as an iron anemia. There is one other way by which vitamin B6 is very important for the blood structure: it actually preserves the health and proper functioning of the organs responsible for the white cell production, spleen, lymph nodes and thymus.

Vitamin B6 is mainly taken from a variety of food items that include whole and fortified cereals, fish, beans, vegetables and fruits. Bananas, peanut butter, spinach, tomatoes, the kernels of sunflower seeds, potatoes, red meat and so on usually ensure the right amount of vitamin B6. Normally, a balanced diet should be a rich enough source of essential substances for the proper functioning of the body system, however, if deficiencies are identified following blood tests, the doctor will most surely recommend some vitamin B6 supplement.