A series of mood disorders affect the health of millions of people worldwide. In the specific case of
anxiety, it is characterized as “a feeling of fear, dread, and unease. It can make you sweat, feel restless and tense, and have palpitations. It can be a normal reaction to stress,” according to the
Medline Plus portal. Although experts point out that feeling anxious before new or stressful situations is normal to a certain extent, people suffering from anxiety disorders experience these feelings of fear often, which can affect their quality of life. So, in addition to consulting specialists, it is worth staying informed about the latest scientific discoveries. That's why we tell you about vitamin B6 and its possible benefits in combating anxiety.You can also read:
The best foods to combat stressVitamin B6 and its impact on anxietyAccording to a
study published by the prestigious University of Reading, located in England, vitamin B6 supplements could help combat the symptoms of anxiety, a condition that increasingly affects more people. In a
press release published by the English university, experts discovered that taking high doses of vitamin B6 helps reduce feelings of anxiety and depression after conducting research. The scientists analyzed the impact of consuming a high dose of vitamin B6 in young adults. The discovery is quite encouraging, as volunteers reported feeling less anxious and depressed after taking the dietary supplement daily for a month. Therefore, this new research provides important evidence supporting the use of supplements to modify activity levels in the brain to prevent or treat mood disorders. According to doctor and academic David Field, “the functioning of the brain is based on a delicate balance between excitatory neurons, which carry information, and inhibitory neurons, which prevent the leakage of activity.” He also adds that there are “recent theories that have linked mood disorders and other neuropsychiatric conditions with alterations in this balance, often regarding elevated levels of brain activity.” The scientist emphasized that “vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain. Our study relates this calming effect to a reduction in anxiety among participants.” It is worth noting that, although previous studies have provided evidence that multivitamins or Marmite, a yeast paste widely consumed in Australia, can reduce levels of
stress, there is very little research focused on the vitamins contained in both products and their effects on mental health. You can also read:
10 foods that will make you feel happierThis new study focused on the potential role of vitamin B6, which is known to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body, a chemical that blocks impulses between neurons and the brain. During the clinical trial, more than 300 volunteers participated. Some were instructed to take a rather high dose of vitamin B6 or B12, approximately 50 times more than the recommended daily intake, while another group received a placebo for a month. In the end, the study showed that vitamin B12 had a very small effect compared to the placebo, but there was a huge difference regarding vitamin B6. Subsequently, experts confirmed that participants who had consumed vitamin B6 had much higher levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which supports the theory that this vitamin helps reduce
anxiety. In an interview with the university, Dr. Field mentioned that “many foods, including tuna, chickpeas, and various fruits and vegetables, contain vitamin B6. However, the high doses used in this clinical trial suggest that dietary supplements would be necessary to have a positive effect on mood.” It is important to note that this research is in its early stages, so more studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of vitamin B6 as a treatment for anxiety; however, the results are very encouraging, as they could allow the development of new treatments in the future. Remember that if you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any other mood disorder, it is essential to consult a doctor, who will guide you in the recovery process.You can also read:
10 natural remedies to reduce anxiety and stress