Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin B6

Female: Did you know that a baked potato could boost your mood? Keep watching to learn the secret of the spud.

Coach Kendra: Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is found on a platter of foods. It is responsible for the synthesis of the mood boosting hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which explains why that B6-packed potato is a favorite comfort food. Vitamin B6 is essential in the creation of hemoglobin a protein that brings oxygen to the body’s tissue and affects the amount of oxygen that protein carries. Because Vitamin B6 maintains the health for the lymphoid organs, which create white blood cells, it is also vital to a healthy immune system. Vitamin B6 helps to keep blood glucose within a normal range. Because glucose is a main source of energy for the body, it is necessary to maintain normal levels of B6.
It is clear that vitamin B6 is important, so where does that come from? Vitamin b6 is found in a wide variety of foods, from fish to peanut butter. Bananas, pork, chicken, potatoes, legumes, eggs and spinach are also great sources of vitamin B6. Most adults need 1.3 mg of Vitamin B6 daily. Pregnant and lactating women need more between 1.9 and 2.0 mg. both elderly people and people with gastrointestinal disorders may have trouble absorbing Vitamin B6 and can benefit by taking a supplement. Drugs like Aldopa, which treats Parkinson’s disease and isoniazid which is prescribed for tuberculosis may interfere with Vitamin B6. Talk to your doctor about a complete list of substances that can affect this vitamin.

Vitamin B6 is vital for a host of processes; from general feelings of well-being to boosting the body’s energy levels. However, too much of the vitamin can be harmful. So talk to your doctor before beginning a new supplement or diet.

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