When blood sugar isn't adequately balanced, it could increase the risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. In addition to eating frequent healthy meals and exercising, vitamin B6 can help balance blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 belongs to the B-complex group of vitamins. This water-soluble vitamin is responsible for lowering homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, it helps to produce serotonin and balance blood glucose levels. Women and men between the ages of 31 and 50 require 1.3 mg of vitamin B6 daily.
Balancing Blood Glucose
When you eat, the body takes in calories, which are then converted to energy. This energy is used to convert convert carbohydrates to glucose. When the body is low on calories, it uses vitamin B6 to convert carbohydrates to glucose, helping the body to retain a normal blood glucose level.
Concerns
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a vitamin B6 deficiency can inhibit these functions. Therefore, sometimes supplementation is recommended. However, if healthy individuals take vitamin B6 supplements, it has no effect. A vitamin B6 deficiency is often seen in people with malnutrition, children treated with the medication theophyline for asthma, alcoholics and seniors. Symptoms of a B6 deficiency are depression, confusion, convulsions, skin inflammation and a sore tongue.
Warnings
Do not treat high or low blood glucose levels by taking vitamin B6, unless directed by your physician. Do not take more than the daily recommended allowance of vitamin B6, to reduce the risk of developing vitamin toxicity. This type of toxicity may cause irreversible nerve damage in the arms and legs. The tolerable upper limit for vitamin B6 is 100 mg. Nerve damage has been found in people who have taken just 500 mg, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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