Benefits of B6 Vitamins

Benefits of B6 Vitamins
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Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of the eight B vitamins and is part of the B complex group of vitamins. All B vitamins are necessary for healthy hair, skin, liver and eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin B6 provides many benefits for your body.

Cancer Prevention

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no data that supports the claim that this vitamin may lower the risk of colon cancer. However, vitamin B supplements combined with another vitamin called folic acid may be able to decrease the chance of breast cancer, but more clinical trials are need to be performed.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

High homocysteine levels in the blood, hyperhomocysteinemia, is a factor for cardiovascular disease, blood clotting and stroke. Taking vitamin B6 supplements alone or with a combination of folic acid has been shown to lower homocysteine levels. The Mayo Clinic says that low homocysteine levels can reduce the chances of cardiovascular morbidity.

Heart Disease Prevention

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, observational studies conducted have found that if you do not get enough vitamin B6 in your diet, you may have a higher risk of heart disease. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in lowering the amounts of homocysteine in your blood.

References

Article reviewed by DeborahO Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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