Vitamin B6: What you Need to Know

Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, changes carbohydrates present in food items into glucose, which in turn releases energy when used by the body. This vitamin helps the human body make chemicals called neurotransmitters that send signals from one nerve cell to another. In addition, it is essential in the secretion of norepinephrine, which affects the mood, and melatonin, which regulates the internal body clock and serotonin hormones.

A deficiency of vitamin B6 may cause weakness, irritation, difficulty concentrating, depression, memory loss for short time periods, and nervousness. Low consumption of vitamin B6 is likely to add to the chances of the development of heart disease. Optimum consumption of vitamin B6 may also help in the prevention of Parkinson's disease.

Foods that contain vitamin B6 include milk, cheese, spinach, bran, salmon, turkey, chicken, sunflower seeds, whole-grain flour, wheat germ, beans, and lentils. Vitamin B6 supplements are also available in the form of tablets, lozenges, and soft gels. It is important to consult your physician before you start taking a supplement.