Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6, also called Pyridoxine, is an often overlooked but critically important nutrient that supports a wide range of life-essential functions in the body. This includes energy metabolism (the process of generating energy from food, nutrients or sunlight), normal nerve function, normal blood cell production, immune system maintenance, and a host of other vital processes. In addition, research has shown Vitamin B6 helps in a number of other areas, such as reducing nausea during morning sickness, reducing PMS symptoms and even keeping the brain functioning normally.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for several functions. It has health benefits for the body, including promoting brain health and improving mood. It’s significant to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.

Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must obtain it from foods or supplements.

Most people get enough vitamin B6 through their diet, but certain populations may be at risk for deficiency.

Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B6 is important for optimal health and may even prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Vitamin B6 may play a role in improving brain function and preventing Alzheimer’s disease, but the research is conflicting.

On the one hand, B6 can decrease high homocysteine blood levels that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

One study in 156 adults with high homocysteine levels and mild cognitive impairment found that taking high doses of B6, B12 and folate (B9) decreased homocysteine and reduced wasting in some regions of the brain that are vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.

However, it’s unclear if a decrease in homocysteine translates to improvements in brain function or a slower rate of cognitive impairment.

A randomized controlled trial in over 400 adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s found that high doses of B6, B12 and folate decreased homocysteine levels but did not slow decline in brain function compared to a placebo.