Vitamin B6

vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble nutrient that helps the body convert food into energy and make important molecules like neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. It plays a role in keeping the nervous system, immune system, and skin healthy, and it helps process amino acids, including steps that reduce levels of certain byproducts in the blood. You can get B6 from a variety of foods such as poultry, fish, potatoes, bananas, fortified cereals, and legumes. A deficiency can lead to symptoms like fatigue, irritated skin, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and changes in mood or memory. Because it supports processes that clear certain compounds from the blood, adequate B6 is one factor in maintaining healthy circulation and metabolism. Most people get enough from food, but supplements are available and sometimes recommended for people with specific health issues or dietary restrictions. Taking very high doses of supplemental B6 for a long time can cause nerve damage, so it’s important to follow medical advice on dosing. Overall, it is a common, essential nutrient that supports many everyday body functions and can be managed through diet and, when needed, guided supplementation.