Vitamin B6: Support healthy immune function

• May be essential for normal brain development and function
• Essential for red blood cell metabolism
• Needed for more than **0 enzymes involved in protein metabolism

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble member of the B vitamin family. It is sometimes referred to as the "workhorse" of nutrients because it is part of over **0 biological functions in the body. Vitamin B6 is primarily a coenzyme, which means that it works with other enzymes to support chemical reactions in the cells.It is estimated that nearly a third of all adults are deficient in this nutrient and nearly half of all women do not get the RDA of Vitamin B6 (this could be due to the fact that oral contraceptives will deplete this vitamin).  B6 is also involved in the formation of red blood cells, helps cells make proteins, manufactures neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin, and helps to release stored energy.

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is part of the group of essential nutrients known as the B Complex. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is one of the most important nutrients needed to maintain good physical and mental health. This particular vitamin is necessary for the production of over **0 different enzymes the body uses to metabolise proteins.  Vitamin B6 is also needed to break down the protein we eat.

What does Vitamin B6 do?

Vitamin B6 helps the body make several neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another. It is essential for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine (which influence mood) and melatonin (which helps regulate the body clock). It is rare to have a significant deficiency of B6, although studies indicate many people may be mildly deficient, especially children and the elderly. Certain medications can also cause low levels of B6 in the body. Symptoms of serious deficiency include muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss.