Vitamin B6: what is it for? All the benefits (even on the premenstrual phase)!

What is Vitamin B6 used for? This vitamin brings multiple benefits to our body ranging from the control of hormonal function to the protection of the nervous system, from the formation of red blood cells in the blood to the reduction of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, not to forget the help it offers in improving our metabolism. and even the mood.

Vitamin B6 - discovered in 1935 and divided into three different forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine - belongs to the group of B vitamins, essential for our psychophysical well-being, to the point that a lack of these vitamins can involve risks for our health. The foods that contain it in greater quantities are whole grains, green beans and nuts, but it is also found in fish, eggs, meat, cauliflower, carrots, spinach and other important foods for a "diet. healthy.

In the event that it is not possible to take the recommended amount of vitamin B6 through the foods that contain it, it is possible to resort to specific supplements, which should certainly not be chosen at random! Before discovering specifically what vitamin B6 is used for and how to take it in the best way, here is a video that lists a series of super foods that must never be missing on our table.

Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal synthesis of cysteine, to protein metabolism and in particular to homocysteine

One of the main functions of vitamin B6 is to promote the metabolism of proteins. In particular, this vitamin contributes to the synthesis of cysteine, an amino acid - also called amino-mercaptoprioprionic acid - essential for the keratinization processes of our body (it serves in fact to promote the growth of hair and nails), but also for the production of glutathione. , a very important antioxidant to control free radicals and counteract the effects of aging.

Furthermore, cysteine ​​serves to make the inner lining of the stomach and intestines stronger, allowing greater absorption of the proteins useful for us. Vitamin B6 allows its formation, while a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to tract disorders gastro intestinal.

Vitamin B6 then serves to metabolize homocysteine, another amino acid obtained from the transformation of methionine, an acid contained in protein foods. High levels of homocysteine ​​can be harmful for our health and in particular for the cardiovascular system. group B - and in particular folic acid and our vitamin B6 - perform the function of regulating the levels of homocysteine, preventing any risk.

See also

What to eat during the premenstrual phase to feel good about yourself

Vitamin A foods: which are the richest ones?

Vitamin B foods: the foods to be preferred to benefit

What is Vitamin B6 used for? To normal energy and glycogen metabolism +

Vitamin B6 has the ability to promote our metabolism, making us feel full of energy! In fact, it helps to metabolize most of the nutrients, from carbohydrates to fats to amino acids, extracting from them all the fuel necessary for everyday life.

Vitamin B6 promotes, not surprisingly, the metabolization of glycogen, which is the main reserve source of carbohydrates in our body, usually accumulated above all in skeletal muscle and in the liver. All the glycogen that we accumulate in this last organ is in fact broken down into glucose units, which are then released into the blood and distributed in the tissues.

The glucose stored in the muscle, on the other hand, enters the glycolytic process favored by vitamin B6, so that ATP molecules can be obtained, the real energy drivers of our body!

Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and normal psychological function

Vitamin B6 has a very important role in the regulation of hormonal activity and it is for this reason that it is a real cure-all during the premenstrual phase. Pyridoxine, in fact, tends to decrease in that period of the month and the consequences are those that we all know. : mood swings, loss of sexual desire, anxiety, emotional disturbances of various kinds. There are many women who, having reached their monthly appointment, choose not to treat the problem.

The lack of vitamin B6 in the premenstrual phase, on the other hand, would be a good remedy by taking a specific supplement, possibly based on vitamins (especially B6 and E), calcium and magnesium, to be taken during the 10 days prior to the arrival of the cycle.

While magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, calcium to normal blood clotting and vitamin E to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, our vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity, alleviating premenstrual symptoms due to peak progesterone.

These types of supplements are specifically designed to help women overcome tiredness and a bad mood. Obviously it is necessary to integrate it within a larger framework that includes a healthy lifestyle, a correct and varied diet and constant physical activity.

Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Another important function of vitamin B6 is to contribute to the formation of red blood cells. The latter represent the most numerous cells in our blood. Thanks to hemoglobin, they do nothing but continuously transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide, going up and down the lungs to the most peripheral areas of our body.

It is not difficult to understand how vital red blood cells are for the body and, consequently, how vital is vitamin B6, together with other vitamins of the same group - folic acid in the first place. This function, together with that of promoting metabolism , allows us to combat tiredness and fatigue, making us always feel at our best.

Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune and nervous systems

Vitamin B6 also serves to ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as the immune system. In fact, it has the ability to promote the transmission of nerve impulses at the level of the synapses of neurons, to the point that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to numerous disorders related to the nerves, from depression to insomnia, from mental fatigue to concentration problems.

Vitamin B6 also boosts the immune system: taking supplements of this vitamin is important if you are weakened, for example, by long or serious illness. Vitamin B6 influences the maturation and growth of the cells of this system because it is involved in the synthesis process of cytokines, which are essential for the defense of our body. This vitamin is a panacea in times of stress, during seasonal changes and, in general, when we are in phases of psycho-physical imbalance. Now that you understand why it is so important to integrate into our daily diet, never miss it!