The effectiveness of vitamin B6 supplements on mood disorders demonstrated

According to a new study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, taking a high dose of vitamin B6 would reduce anxiety and depression. Scientists from the University of Reading have also measured the impact of these supplements on young adults. They observed a decrease in anxiety and depression in participants after taking the dietary supplements for one month.

The study provided conclusive results on the effect that the vitamin B6 on mood. It would help the body to produce a specific chemical messenger, modifying activity levels in the brain. It would allow prevent or even treat mood disorders.

Vitamin B6 would reduce anxiety

Previous studies have revealed the reducing effect of multivitamins on stress. However, few studies have looked at the particular vitamins responsible for this effect. The new study therefore focused on the function of vitamin B6. It would act on the body by increasing the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABAa chemical capable of inhibiting impulses between nerve cells in the brain.

The researchers gathered more than 300 volunteers. They randomly gave them either vitamin B6 or B12 supplements or a placebo. The dose of vitamin B6 or 12 was 50 times the recommended daily intake. Participants took one pill daily for a month. According to the results, vitamin B12 had little effect compared to the placebo. However, vitamin B6 had a significant impact.

The researchers performed visual tests at the end of the trial to assess the level of GABA. Indeed, it increased in participants who took vitamin B6 supplements. They also have detected a slight transformation in their visual performance, meaning that brain activity levels were altered. This supports the hypothesis that vitamin B6 reduces anxiety.

Vitamin B6 supplements still have limits

Vitamin B6 can be found in many foods. However, Dr David Field, lead author from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, argues the need for supplementation to benefit from its effect on mood. High dose intake is essential in order to obtain substantial results.

Despite these encouraging results, vitamin B6 does not yet meet the same expectations as drugs due to its insufficient effect on anxiety. Nevertheless, nutrition-based treatments have fewer side effects than drugs. To enhance their effect, these supplements could be combined with analytical therapies.

To be able to use these supplements as a treatment for mental disorders, further research would be essential. Thus, researchers would have the possibility of discovering other organic substances favorable to mental health. They could combine them in order to get better results.

SOURCE: MIRA NEWS