Best b6 supplement
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Best Vitamin B6 Supplement: Insights from Recent Research
Vitamin B6 and Cognitive Function
Cognitive Benefits and Limitations
Vitamin B6, comprising pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in mental function and mood regulation. However, studies have shown mixed results regarding its efficacy in improving cognitive function in older adults. For instance, a review of two trials involving healthy older individuals found no significant cognitive or mood benefits from vitamin B6 supplementation1. Despite this, the trials did indicate that vitamin B6 supplementation could improve biochemical indices of vitamin B6 status, such as plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate levels1.
Vitamin B6 and Peripheral Neuropathy
Risk Factors and Therapeutic Potential
Both deficiency and high intake of vitamin B6 have been linked to peripheral neuropathy (PN). High levels of vitamin B6, often resulting from excessive supplementation, can lead to sensory neuropathy, which typically improves upon discontinuation of the supplement2. While low B6 levels are observed in patients with various etiologies of PN, there is no conclusive evidence that low B6 directly causes PN. Some studies suggest that B6 supplementation, often in combination with other vitamins, may improve neuropathy symptoms, but its role as a standalone treatment remains unconfirmed2.
Vitamin B6 in Pregnancy
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Vitamin B6 is essential for numerous metabolic processes, including nervous system development. However, evidence supporting its benefits during pregnancy is limited. A review of four trials found no significant differences in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or Apgar scores between supplemented and non-supplemented groups3. One trial did suggest a protective effect against dental decay in pregnant women, but overall, the evidence for other clinical benefits remains insufficient3.
Vitamin B6 and Immune Response
Effects on Critically Ill Patients
Vitamin B6 supplementation has shown promise in enhancing immune responses in critically ill patients. A study involving patients in an intensive care unit found that daily injections of 50 mg or 100 mg of vitamin B6 significantly increased T-lymphocyte and T-helper cell numbers, as well as the percentage of T-suppressor cells4. These findings suggest that high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation can boost immune function in critically ill individuals4.
Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation (100 mg/day) was found to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)5. This indicates that vitamin B6 may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting individuals with inflammatory conditions like RA5.
Vitamin B6 and Mental Health
Anxiety and Visual Processing
A study investigating the effects of high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation on neural inhibition and excitation found that it could reduce anxiety and enhance visual surround suppression6. This suggests that vitamin B6 may play a role in modulating neural activity and improving certain aspects of mental health6.
Conclusion
While vitamin B6 supplementation shows potential benefits in various health aspects, including immune response and inflammation, its efficacy in cognitive improvement and pregnancy outcomes remains inconclusive. High doses of vitamin B6 can enhance immune function and reduce inflammation, but excessive intake may lead to peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, it is essential to balance the dosage to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of vitamin B6 supplementation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin B6 for cognition
Vitamin B6 supplementation shows no evidence of reducing cognitive impairment risk in healthy older people or improving cognitive functioning in people with cognitive decline and dementia.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedThe Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
High vitamin B6 levels may cause neurotoxic peripheral neuropathy, while low B6 levels may be a potential risk factor for peripheral neuropathy, but further studies are needed.
Systematic ReviewPyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation during pregnancy or labour for maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Vitamin B6 supplementation during pregnancy may reduce dental decay but has no significant impact on pre-eclampsia or low Apgar scores.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalVitamin B6 supplementation increases immune responses in critically ill patients
Large doses of vitamin B6 supplementation (50 or 100 mg/day) can improve immune responses in critically ill patients.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin B6 supplementation improves pro-inflammatory responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
A large dose of vitamin B6 supplementation (100 mg/day) effectively suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
RCTHighly CitedHigh‐dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression
High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression, improving neural inhibition and excitation balance.
RCTEffects of dietary supplement of vitamin B6 on growth performance and non-specific immune response of weaned rex rabbits
A dietary supplement of 10-20 mg/kg vitamin B6 improves growth performance and non-specific immune response in weaned Rex rabbits, with the highest ADG values and lowest diarrhea ratio found in the 20 mg/kg group.
RCT
Animal StudyVitamin B6 as add-on treatment in chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Vitamin B6 supplementation did not show significant improvement in psychotic symptoms in chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients compared to placebo.
RCTEffects of vitamin B6 on growth, diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, function, and inflammatory factors expression in a high-protein diet fed to weaned piglets.
Vitamin B6 supplementation may affect intestinal morphology and protein absorption and metabolism in weaned piglets fed a high-protein diet by altering intestinal inflammatory cytokines and amino acid transporters.
RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalEffects of vitamin B6 on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and gene expression in weaned piglets that are fed a low-protein diet.
Vitamin B6 supplementation in weaned piglets fed a low-protein diet reduces inflammatory cytokines and enhances amino acid transporters mRNA expression in the jejunum, but may negatively affect villus area and mRNA expression in the ileum.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous Journal