Vitamin B6: A Vital Nutrient for Your Immune System

By: Suzanne Zilkowsky | November 1, 2009

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble nutrient that helps in the production of neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that allow brain and nerve cells to communicate with one another. Pyridoxine also ensures that metabolic processes such as fat and protein metabolism run smoothly, and is important for immune system function in older individuals.

It can also help address a number of conditions, including nerve compression injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and some cases of depression and arthritis. It is often used to treat high homocysteine levels along with folic acid and vitamin B12. Memory loss, diabetes, asthma attacks, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), kidney stones, lung cancer, acne and atherosclerosis may also be treated and alleviated via vitamin B6 supplementation.

Good food sources of vitamin B6 include brewer’s yeast, cereal grains, legumes, vegetables (especially carrots, spinach and peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish and sunflower seeds. It is recommended that you take 50 mg as part of a daily B-complex supplement that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including thiamine, B12, riboflavin and niacin.

Like this article? Leave a comment below:

About the Author:

Suzanne Zilkowsky - Hi, I’m Suzanne, your editor. I’m passionate about health, fitness and well being. I’m never far from Fitness Goop, but I can also be found out and about exploring yoga classes, walking my dog and feeding my tummy with good food. I have a background in Fitness and own a Personal Training c...
View Suzanne Zilkowsky's Website