The use of vitamin B6 may contribute to the reduction of feelings of anxiety and depression, according to recent studies.
Scientists at the University of Reading, UK, measured the impact of high doses of vitamin B6 on young adults and found that they reported feeling less anxious and depressed after taking the supplements every day for a month.
O studypublished in the scientific journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, presents evidence supporting the use of supplements with the aim of altering activity levels in the brain to prevent or treat mood disorders.
“Brain functioning depends on a delicate balance between excitatory neurons that carry information and inhibitory neurons that prevent uncontrolled activity. Recent theories have linked mood disorders and some other neuropsychiatric conditions with a disturbance of this balance, often in the direction of elevated levels of brain activity.” Reading, in a statement.
According to the expert, vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain. “Our study links this calming effect with reduced anxiety among participants,” says Field.
While previous studies have presented evidence that multivitamins can reduce stress levels, few studies point to which specific vitamins drive this effect.
The new study focused on the potential role of vitamins B6, which are known to increase the body’s production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical compound that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain.
In the research, more than 300 participants were randomly given vitamin B6 or B12 supplements far in excess of the recommended daily intake (approximately 50 times the recommended daily allowance) or placebo (a substance with no effect on the body). The supplement was taken once a day with food for one month.
The study showed that vitamin B12 had little effect compared to placebo during the test period, but vitamin B6 made a statistically more significant difference.
Elevated levels of GABA among participants who took vitamin B6 supplements were confirmed by visual tests performed at the end of the study, supporting the hypothesis that B6 was responsible for reducing anxiety. According to the study, subtle but harmless changes in visual performance were detected, consistent with controlled levels of brain activity.
“Many foods, including tuna, chickpeas and many fruits and vegetables, contain vitamin B6. However, the high doses used in this study suggest that supplements would be needed to have a positive effect on mood,” Field said.
The researcher says that the research is at an early stage and that the effect of vitamin B6 on anxiety was small compared to the results obtained with medication.
“However, nutrition-based interventions produce far fewer unpleasant side effects than drugs, and therefore, in the future, people may prefer these interventions,” he says.
Use of vitamins must be done under medical supervision.
The supplementation of vitamins and minerals should be guided and supervised by a medical professional or nutritionist . Both a lack and an excess of nutrients can be harmful to health therefore, a previous analysis is necessary.
Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa and amaranth, among others, are rich in vitamin B6, whose deficiency is linked to immune system defense problems. B6 deficiency can compromise the production of antibodies and the activity of the body’s defense cells.
The Brazilian Society of Diabetes recommends maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring good absorption of nutrients, avoiding fluctuations in the efficiency of the immune system.
Source: CNN Brasil
