Why is vitamin B6 so important for health?

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is essential for health because it assists in various biological functions. This vitamin is crucial for nerve function, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, which play significant roles in pain perception.1, 2 Vitamin B6 is involved in more than 100 enzyme reactions, mostly concerned with protein metabolism.

Additionally, vitamin B6 is required for the transformation of tryptophan to niacin, which can, in a deficiency state, lead to anaemia, hormonal imbalances, decreased synthesis of niacin, and impairments in glucose tolerance that may contribute to conditions such as depression, particularly in the context of certain risk factors like oral contraceptive use and history of depression.3
Guidelines and best sources of vitamin B6

To ensure adequate intake of vitamin B6 and prevent deficiency, it is recommended to consume a balanced diet that includes good sources of vitamin B6 such as liver, chicken, tuna, bananas, avocados, whole grains, nuts, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.

Consuming these foods is particularly important as the need for B6 increases with age and protein consumption.4