Vitamin B6 characteristics and function:

Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and it can exist in three chemical forms: pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM) and pyridoxal (PL). As most vitamins, vitamin B6 performs several functions in the human body and so it is very important for our health. We need to obtain vitamin B6 from the diet as humans are unable to synthesize it. Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in about a hundred enzymes which catalyze vital chemical reactions. Moreover, numerous building blocks of protein need sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 for synthesis. Also nucleic acids used in the DNA creation require Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is also vital for the processing of carbohydrates such as starch and sugar. Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in the human nervous system. One such role is the creation of molecules known as amines. Our nervous system makes use of amines to transmit messages from one nerve to the other.

The next role of vitamin B6 is connected with sulfur and methyl metabolism. Vitamin B6 can deprive molecules of sulfur groups so it aids the body in handling sulfur-containing compounds.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include:

  • Banana

  • Chicken breast

  • Cod

  • Halibut

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Peanut butter

  • Avocado

  • Potato

  • Salmon

  • Turkey breast

  • Calf’s liver


See also: Vitamin B6 deficiency description, Vitamin B6 deficiency causes and symptoms, Vitamin B6 deficiency diagnosis, Vitamin B6 deficiency treatment, Vitamin B6 deficiency prevention