Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, and vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, are part of the group of eight B-complex vitamins. B vitamins provide a number of benefits for the body, such as converting carbohydrates into energy and keeping your eyes, liver, hair, skin and nervous system healthy.
Preventing Megaloblastic Anemia
According to the Mayo Clinic, megaloblastic anemia is the result of a vitamin B12 deficiency. With this type of anemia, red blood cells are larger then normal and the nucleus size of the cell cytoplasm is increased. Continuous consumption of vitamin B12 will help to prevent megaloblastic anemia from occurring. This condition should be evaluated and monitored by a physician.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that forms when there is an absence of intrinsic factor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Intrinsic factor is a substance that is normally present in the stomach. Vitamin B12 binds with the intrinsic factor before your body absorbs it. Not enough intrinsic factor prevents your body from absorbing vitamin B12, and can lead to pernicious anemia.
Alzheimer's Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have low amounts of vitamin B12 in their blood. Taking vitamin B12 supplements may help to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Treating Hyperhomocysteinemia
Hyperhomocysteinemia is high levels of homocysteine in your blood, which can potentially result in a number of health conditions, such as peripheral atherosclerosis, heart attacks and stroke. A combination of B vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid may help to reduce homocysteine levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treating Premenstrual Syndrome
Some health care professionals and female patients say that vitamin B6 helps to improve PMS symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, each individual may respond differently to treatment with vitamin B6. Talk with your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements to treat PMS. It may take up to three months to see results.
Preventing Heart Disease
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you do not get enough vitamin B6 in your diet, you may have a higher risk of suffering from heart disease. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in lowering homocysteine levels in your blood, and high levels of homocysteine have been associated with heart disease.
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