Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxamine, is a water soluble vitamin, according to "Contemporary Nutrition." Men and women ages 19 to 50 should consume at least 1.3mg of vitamin B6 daily, according to "Discovering Nutrition," and pregnant and lactating women should consume at least 2mg each day. Vitamin B6 can be obtained in the form of a nutritional supplement or in foods such as bananas, potatoes, chicken, oatmeal, beef, trout and spinach.
Reduces Inflammation
Vitamin B6 reduces overall inflammation in the body, according to "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition." Though "Contemporary Nutrition," warns that vitamin B6 does not cure any inflammatory disorders, it can greatly reduce the symptoms of a variety of diseases, including bronchial inflammation associated with asthma and emphysema, inflammation of the joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis.
Improves Skin Health
According to "Discovering Nutrition," vitamin B6 plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition," mentions those with eczema, dandruff, acne, psoriasis and dry skin can greatly benefit from consuming vitamin B6. This vitamin improves circulation in the capillaries, thereby aiding the skin in obtaining and utilizing nutrients, according to "Contemporary Nutrition."
Decreases Symptoms of PMS
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, can be eased with the use of vitamin B6, according to "Contemporary Nutrition." By ensuring that adequate amounts of vitamin B6 are consumed during this time, when the body naturally experiences a loss of this vitamin, according to "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition," symptoms of moodiness, water retention and libido changes are greatly diminished.
References
- "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition"; Michele Grodner, Sara Long Roth and Bonnie C. Walkingshaw; 2007
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw; 2009
- "Discovering Nutrition"; Paul Insel; 2009
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