What Does Vitamin B6 Work With?

Vitamin B6 supports healthy function in at least five systems of the body in at least 100 different chemical reactions. It is found in a variety of food sources, including meat, poultry and whole grains. Adult men and women up to age 50 should get 1.3 mg daily either through food or dietary supplements. After age 50, the recommended daily allowance increases to 1.7 mg.

Immune System

The immune system provides the first line of defense against infections and injuries. It also destroys toxins that could harm the body. Vitamin B6 functions in this capacity by producing antibodies, which attack antigens, or substances that trigger an immune response. These substances are often foreign to the body. Antibodies are specific to the antigen that it attacks. Vitamin B6, therefore, is in constant use as the body fights off potential disease-causing substances in its environment.

Nervous System

Vitamin B6 is essential for nervous system function. Specifically, it helps in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters that are responsible for nerve impulses. Among these neurotransmitters are serotonin and dopamine. The former plays a role in basic life functions such as sleep, memory and mood. Dopamine is vital for the proper functioning of the brain and spinal cord. It also regulates balance and movement.

Circulatory System

Vitamin B6 influences circulatory function indirectly through the synthesis of dopamine, which controls constriction of blood vessels. It directly impacts circulatory system function by its role in hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein of red blood cells. Without hemoglobin, the body cannot transport oxygen to the cells. Vitamin B6 also assists in the production of niacin, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the body.

Digestive System

Among its myriad roles, vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism, or the synthesis of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Metabolism of proteins reduces these compounds to substances that the body can readily use. The proteins metabolized by chemical reactions involving vitamin B6 can then produce other substances, including the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.

Endocrine System

Vitamin B6 also plays a role in the endocrine, or hormone, system by assisting in the regulation of blood glucose levels for energy production. The liver stores excess carbohydrates. When blood sugar levels drop, the liver will break down these stores to release glucose to restore normal levels due to the release of hormones by the pancreas. Vitamin B6 is essential in the chemical reactions leading to its release. For one nutrient, vitamin B6 is truly the workhorse of the human body.