At Simply Nootropics, we love Vitamin B6. Why? Because like us, it's a hard worker. Vitamin B6 plays a pivotal role in over 100 enzymatic reactions, many of which involve protein metabolism. It helps to break down proteins and fats in the foods we eat. To transform food into energy and assist your blood to transport oxygen to all parts of your body, you'll need Vitamin B6. But it doesn't stop there. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making Vitamin B6 a possible player in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease.
Recently, Vitamin B6 has been linked to cognition and preventing cognitive decline. Scientists have only known about Vitamin B6 - one of eight vitamins that make up the B complex group - for ninety years, which means we're still unpacking all its benefits. For example, did you know that vitamin B6 improves people's ability to recall their dreams? If you're anything like me, some of your best ideas come to you when your mind is at rest.
Why is Vitamin B6 Important to my Wellbeing?
Because Vitamin B6 is essential to better moods, appetite, sleeping, thinking, and fighting off infections, you don't want to be low on it! Thankfully, it is available in a range of food (pork and poultry for the meat-eaters; soya beans, wheat germ, and bananas for the vegetarians among us). But we don't always have the time to get our vitamins from eating, especially on the go. Harmful deficiencies are uncommon, but it still pays not to be caught out. Vitamin B6 is lost through extensive processing, drinking alcohol, and following low-protein/calorie diets. So, how can you tell if your Vitamin B6 absorption is hampered and you need more of it in your diet?
Well, as always, consulting your physician is a good call. But blood tests for Vitamin B6 deficiencies can take up to five weeks and can cost around $85 from a Chemical Pathologist. The diagnosis of a Vitamin B6 deficiency is usually clinical (i.e. based on symptoms). Thankfully, there are some signs to look out for that might indicate you need a boost.
Here are the 6 Signs You Need More Vitamin B6.
- Lack of Energy
- Skin Rashes
- Sore Lips and Tongue
- Weakened Immune System
- Mood Changes
- Tingling/Numbness in Hands and Feet
1) Lack of Energy
Feeling unusually tired? Low in energy? Vitamin B6 insufficiency has been linked to fatigue. Because Vitamin B6 is required to build haemoglobin (your red blood cells), a deficiency can cause anaemia. Additionally, Vitamin B6 has a significant role in producing the sleep hormone melatonin, so a shortfall can impact your sleep. Don't let a Vitamin B6 deficiency leave you tired, weak, and losing a night's sleep.
2) Skin Rashes (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
The health of your skin reveals a lot about you. If you have a scaly, itchy rash, it might be seborrheic dermatitis. Usually found on the face, scalp, neck, and upper chest, this flakey rash can be caused by a B6 deficiency. B6 is crucial for skin. In addition to healthy circulation, it helps to synthesize collagen. Fortunately, a B6 supplement can help clear up that skin condition. So you can look and feel better.
3) Sore Lips (Cheilosis) and Tongue (Glossitis)
Read my lips! Like your skin, your lips are where a lot of the chemical changes in your body show up. Cracks in the corners of the mouth - which can often bleed! - are a sure sign of Vitamin B6 deficits. If you find yourself reaching for chapstick too often, this could be the cause.
Likewise, your tongue has something to say! The surface of your tongue is supposed to be bumpy (covered in papillae). If you suddenly lose those papillae and your tongue appears smooth, swollen, or inflamed, then a B vitamin deficit could be responsible.
4) Weakened Immune System
This one's a biggie, and you'd be wise to speak to your GP as there are many possible causes. But because of its role in maintaining a healthy immune system, a shortage of B6 may make it harder for your body to resist infections and diseases. Vitamin B6 doesn't just help with the formation of haemoglobin, but also the white blood cells – including T cells – required to produce antibodies and fight infections.
5) Mood Changes
There's a myriad of reasons why someone might experience depression, anxiety, or irritability. But did you know, one of the many processes that B6 is involved in is the production of neurochemicals, like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)?
Scientists are still testing Vitamin B6 but so far have found it beneficial in treating mood-related symptoms of PMS and behavioural symptoms in autism. Increasing reservoirs of neurotransmitters may help you to combat anxiety and depression, and boost your mental resources.
6) Tingling/Numbness in Hands and Feet
A prickling feeling like pins and needles in the hands and feet may be benign, severe, temporary, or chronic! Again, this symptom is a doozy that you'll want to discuss with a medical professional. Nerve damage can be a sign of serious illness - or something as quick to fix as vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B6 is critical to a healthy nervous system. A nerve disorder called peripheral neuropathy can be triggered by a B6 shortage, resulting in clumsiness, poor motor skills, and balance problems. It's easy to remedy with the right amounts of replacement B6.
But make sure you don't take too much B6 either, because over supplementing can cause neuropathy, swinging too far in the opposite direction and inhibiting the active form of B6!
All this is why you need a complete nootropic stack with the dosages our team has formulated. Simply Nootropics Elevate contains 40mg of B6, which should be sufficient to give you the extra support you need.
Do you have any of the signs listed above? Your body is trying to tell you something. Why ignore your health? And as always, speak with your GP if you are concerned about any symptoms. Keep reading this blog for more info on how nootropics can help reduce stress, boost your mood, memory, focus, and energy levels, and so much more!
