Health and Brain Benefits of Vitamin B6 in Athletes

Vitamin B6, is one of the vitamins found in the vitamin B complex family. Vitamin B6, plays a big part in multiple physical and psychological functions of athletes. These are most aiding in a healthy metabolism, nerve function, skin and eye health, as well as improving stamina and energy levels.

Vitamin B6’s important compounds are essential to different biological tasks. Our body uses vitamin B6 for functions including movement, memory, energy production and healthy blood flow. What this means is that a vitamin B6 deficiency can result in different symptoms which may be either temporary or more serious.

Vitamin B6 promotes a healthy nervous system, by making hemoglobin which carries oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body, improves energy, regulates blood sugar levels, improves mood, and also supports immunity against minor diseases. 

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Even though a Vitamin B6 deficiency is not very common (in the developed countries at least), studies have associated vitamin B6 deficiency with the fact that it may result to different disorders and symptoms.

Deficiency in the intake of vitamin B6, either from foods or supplements, can cause rapid changes in mood, like anxiety and depression, foggy mind, muscle pains, low energy levels, or fatigue, and even worsening symptoms of anemia.

Due to the fact that vitamin B6 is so important to our nervous system, a vitamin B6 deficiency is commonly related to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as seizures, migraines, chronic pain and depression.

Research has shown that poor vitamin B6 levels may increase the risk of heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also indicated that vitamin B6 deficiency is quite common in older populations, where the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may be increase as the vitamin B6 levels drop . 

Vitamin B6 Health Benefits

Let's look at some of the benefits that the intake of vitamin B6 can deliver to our bodies and mind.
Supports Brain Function

Vitamin B6 aids in proper brain development and brain function. Research has shown that insufficient levels of vitamin B6 can impact memory function and lead to cognitive impairment. Studies have also shown that vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in older people .

Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in making the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine. These hormones can help control mood, energy and focus . Research suggests that specific behaviour disorders seen in children, like ADHD, are caused by low serotonin levels; thus, consuming enough vitamin B6 can have a positive effect on children with learning disorders (R). 

Supports Healthy Blood Vessels

Vitamin B6 is required to regulate homocysteine levels, a compound found in our blood. Homocysteine is a type of amino acid that comes with eating protein sources, especially meat. High levels of homocysteine in the blood may cause inflammation and heart disease as well as lead to a heart attack.

Studies have shown that low vitamin B6 levels can lead to the built up of homocysteine in our body which in turn can damage blood vessel linings. This can become the foundation for increasing the risks of a heart attack or stroke . 

Improves Mood

Research has shown that vitamin B6 is essential to producing both serotonin and GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. These are hormones that regulate mood can prevent depression, pain, fatigue and anxiety. For that reason, vitamin B6 has been linked with increasing mood and preventing mood disorders.

Research suggests that patients consuming vitamin B6 supplements can help them lift their mood, experience less pain and improve their energy and concentration levels . 

Protects Eye Health

Studies have demonstrated that consuming vitamin B6 and folate, can aid in preventing eye disorders and loss of vision. Vitamin B6 is also considered to help slow the onset of certain eye diseases . 

May Treat High Blood Pressure

Research suggests that taking vitamin B6 supplements can aid in decreasing blood pressure in people that already have high blood pressure levels. Vitamin B6 increases blood flow and helps prevent common causes of heart disease . 

Helps Regulate Sleep

Vitamin B6 helps our body produce melatonin, which is a hormone important in helping us fall asleep . Melatonin is responsible for regulating our internal clock, so our body knows when we need to wake up, and at the same fall asleep for the night. 

Can Help Treat Asthma

Different studies have shown that vitamin B6 can decrease the occurrence of asthma attacks. In specific, it has helped people with asthma to reduce symptoms of wheezing that are linked with asthma attacks and at the same time the frequency of the attacks happening .

BIO

 
Brain Sharp is a UK natural supplement provider for athletes that want to improve their focus, memory and overall athletic performance. Check them out here: www.brain-sharp.com