The Functions of Vitamin B6

The functioning of vitamin B6 plays a major role in both the anti-aging processes, and maintenance of blood glucose in the body. While it is involved in the metabolization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; it is also involved in hundreds of complex chemical reactions that affect mood and memory, energy, sleep, skin, and hormones.

Several studies have shown that Vitamin B6 aids in lowering blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. As part of the stabilization of blood glucose levels, it is needed to convert

stored carbs to glucose. Vitamin B6 also plays a part in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. It is also shown that vitamin B6 plays a significant role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine; which are required for normal nerve cell communication in the body.

Those experiencing Vitamin B deficiencies will tend to show various physiological and psychological symptoms such as: Dermatitis, glossitis, depression, confusion, and convulsions. Babies with this deficiency may develop yellow scabs which is called cradle cap. Many other bodily functions of this vitamin include:The formation of antibodies, proteins, hemoglobin, as well as the maintenance of blood glucose levels and nerve cells. Various abnormal levels of B6 in the body is often associated with chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, skin diseases, and fibrocystic breast disease.

Another form of vitamin B6 called pyridoxamine, plays a major role in the prevention of the degradation of proteins in the body. The degradation of proteins occurs through a process called glycation. Glycation involves the reaction of sugar with amino acid proteins. The combination of the two plays a significant role in the aging process. Pyridoxamine blocks the pathways that are involved in the glycation reactions. Resulting in the slowing of the degradation of the proteins in our bodies.

Since vitamin B6 is water soluble, the body is unable to store it, so it is often excreted through the urine. Since it is so easily expendable, it is important to maintain a consistent diet that includes many of the vitamin B enriched foods that are available at your local super markets. You can obtain vitamin B naturally from foods such as meats, eggs, fish, legumes, bananas, nuts, poultry, whole grains, and avocados. It is important to include vitamin B enriched foods as well as supplements into your daily diet. There are many ways to incorporate the appropriate daily dose of vitamin B6 into your everyday routine.