Latest news with #B6
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
What Birth Control Might Be Draining from Your Body
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. Hormonal birth control has always been the norm for many but as personalized wellness grows, researchers and clinicians have started to ask tougher questions. And so have we. What impact do oral contraceptives have on micronutrients that power mental focus, metabolic balance, and skin health? Recent studies are now putting numbers to what many of us have long suspected. For example, research has found that those on the pill often have measurably lower blood levels of B6, B12, and folate, sometimes by 30 percent or more. These B vitamins aren't mere supplements but are necessary for hormone processing and mood regulation. Magnesium and zinc are needed for muscle function and immune defense which have reduced among birth control users, particularly after a year or more of consistent use. Dr. Jolene Brighten, a physician and women's health expert who has spent years tracking these patterns says oral contraceptives speed up how quickly your body burns through key nutrients. 'B vitamins, for example, are crucial for hormone detoxification, mood stability, and energy. If you don't replenish what the pill uses up, you may feel fatigued, moody, or notice skin changes.' She sees these depletions add up, especially for people who have busy work schedules, travel frequently, and dine out often. The difference shows up in how quickly you bounce back from late nights, how well you sleep, and even how your skin reacts to stress. When B vitamins or minerals run low, the results are tangible: sluggishness, irritability, persistent skin issues, or even tingling and numbness tied to B12 deficiency. Magnesium shortfalls may turn up as muscle cramps or restless nights, while low zinc can slow wound healing and make skin less resilient. Luckily, food can do a lot of the work, as Dr. Brighten points out, 'nutrition can be a powerful tool to mitigate side effects.' Dark leafy greens, lentils, eggs, and lean meats are good sources of B vitamins, and pumpkin seeds and spinach are great for magnesium. Birth control can nudge your gut microbiome off balance, making it trickier to absorb nutrients, so the old 'eat a balanced diet' line isn't always enough. Studies show these gut shifts play out and why more fiber and fermented foods (think sauerkraut or kefir) can help. Interested in supporting your microbiome more intentionally? There are now targeted probiotic options that are formulated with Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium associated with a stronger gut lining and better nutrient absorption — a focus in current gut health research for people on hormonal birth control. And check out this smart guide for other fermented foods and gut health tips. If changing your diet isn't enough, experts advise trying a Methylated B-complex, Magnesium Glycinate, and a daily probiotic to help bridge the gap as studies have shown shifts in gut flora from oral contraceptives, making these targeted supplements more than just an 'extra.' Probiotic strains that support digestion, energy, and micronutrient uptake are especially valuable if you're dealing with sluggishness or metabolic changes after starting the pill. Let's talk real adjustments, not just another checklist. If you're on the pill and want to hold onto your energy, mood, and skin, it's about daily moves, not overnight overhauls. Turns out, when you're running low on key nutrients, your skin can lose its bounce faster than you'd expect. Water helps, but so do foods with built-in hydration, like cucumber and berries. For the why and how, here's the science on skin and hydration. Mood swings or energy dips? The plate matters. If your digestion's off or you're just not feeling nourished, try adding yogurt, kefir, or a spoonful of sauerkraut. More fiber makes a difference, too. If you're focused on blood sugar stability or managing PCOS or want steadier energy… trying a probiotic designed to support healthy glucose control and gut hormone production could help. There's a whole world behind the scenes, as explained in this guide to fermented foods and gut health. Birth control can nudge your gut bacteria out of balance, which means some nutrients don't get absorbed the way they should. Add more fiber. Bring in yogurt, kefir, or a forkful of sauerkraut now and then. If you want ideas, this guide on fermented foods and gut health is worth a look. Don't ignore your sleep. Wind down at night, cut back on screens, and aim for steady sleep. It's not just about feeling rested, but it actually affects your metabolism and mood. Aim for steady wind-down routines, not just clock-watching. For a reality check, see the health benefits of sleep. A good routine will help long-term, while it may be hard to enforce. Try incorporating Omega-3s, leafy greens, and targeted vitamins for sharper memory and better aging. If you're curious about what delivers, the latest on brain supplements and longevity is worth your time. It's not about the perfect routine, but these changes build over time. Subtle shifts, sharper results. That's how you stay ahead. Click here to learn more about Pendulum Probiotics
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health benefits of Vitamin B6 for your body and how to avoid deficiency
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a small but mighty nutrient your body depends on every day. It plays a key role in keeping your brain sharp, your mood balanced, and your immune system strong. Found in everyday foods like bananas, potatoes, chicken, and chickpeas, Vitamin B6 helps turn food into energy and supports the production of important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. While most people get enough through a balanced diet, some may fall short without realizing it. Adequate Vitamin B6 intake can help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and depression. Ensuring sufficient levels is essential for overall well-being. Role of Vitamin B6 in our body Vitamin B6 is a vital nutrient that plays a role in over 100 enzyme reactions, supporting various bodily functions. As per MayoClinic, its key roles include: Metabolising proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for energy Supporting immune system function Fostering brain development during pregnancy and infancy Creating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine Producing hemoglobin for oxygen transport in red blood cells Benefits of Vitamin B6 MedicalNewsToday lists out the benefits of Vitamin B6: Brain function: Helps create neurotransmitters and regulates energy use in the brain, with possible links to improved memory and cognitive function. Nausea during pregnancy: May alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of nausea and vomiting, with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommending it as a safe treatment. Protection from air pollution: May help protect against the harmful effects of air pollution by reducing its impact on the epigenome, potentially leading to new preventive measures. Is Vitamin B6 deficiency common among people? According to NIH, Vitamin B6 deficiency rarely occurs alone and is often linked to low levels of other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. As the deficiency worsens, biochemical changes become more noticeable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency MedicalNewsToday lists out the signs and symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency: Tingling, numbness, and pain in hands and feet Anemia Seizures Depression Confusion Weekend immune system In rare cases, a severe deficiency can lead to a pellagra-like syndrome, characterized by: Seborrheic dermatitis Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) Cheilosis (inflammation and cracking of the lips) People more prone to Vitamin B6 deficiency Certain individuals are more prone to Vitamin B6 deficiency, including: Those with liver, kidney, digestive, or autoimmune diseases Smokers Obese individuals Alcoholics Pregnant women Common causes of Vitamin B6 deficiency According to MedicalNewsToday, excessive alcohol consumption and certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and diabetes, are common causes of Vitamin B6 deficiency Sources of Vitamin B6: With a balanced diet, most people can meet their Vitamin B6 needs, making deficiencies relatively uncommon. Vitamin B6's diverse functions make it essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. According to MedicalNewsToday, sources of Vitamin B6 are: Chickpeas (1 cup): 1.1 mg (65% DV) Beef liver (3 oz): 0.9 mg (53% DV) Yellowfin tuna (3 oz): 0.9 mg (53% DV) Chicken breast (3 oz): 0.5 mg (29% DV) Potatoes (1 cup): 0.4 mg (25% DV) Bananas (medium): 0.4 mg (25% DV) Other sources include: Fortified cereals Salmon Turkey Nuts Tofu Ground beef Spinach Squash Watermelon Taking supplements to cover Vitamin B6 deficiency Vitamin B6 is generally safe when consumed through food. However, according to MayoClinic, taking high doses of supplements can cause adverse effects, including: Ataxia (loss of muscle control or coordination) Painful skin lesions Heartburn and nausea Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) Numbness Reduced sensitivity to pain or extreme temperatures It's essential to be mindful of supplement dosages to avoid these potential side effects Also read | Post-cancer exercise plan lowers death and recurrence rates, according to a study
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia's medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says it may have underestimated the extent of the side effects from vitamin B6 supplements. However, there are proposals to limit sales of high-dose versions due to safety concerns. A pathologist who runs a clinic that tests vitamin B6 in blood samples from across Australia also appeared on the program. He told the ABC that data from May suggests 4.5 per cent of samples tested had returned results 'very likely' indicating nerve damage. So what are vitamin B6 supplements? How can they be toxic? And which symptoms do you need to watch out for? What is vitamin B6? Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an important role in keeping the body healthy. It is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food. It is also important for the production of neurotransmitters – chemical messengers in the brain that maintain its function and regulate your mood. Vitamin B6 also supports the immune system by helping to make antibodies, which fight off infections. And it is needed to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Some women take a vitamin B6 supplement when pregnant. It is thought this helps reduce the nausea associated with the early stages of pregnancy. Some women also take it to help with premenstrual syndrome. However, most people don't need, and won't benefit from, a vitamin B6 supplement. That's because you get enough vitamin B6 from your diet through meat, breakfast cereal, fruit and vegetables. You don't need much. A dose of 1.3–1.7 milligrams a day is enough for most adults. Currently, vitamin B6 supplements with a daily dose of 5–200mg can be sold over the counter at health food stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Because of safety concerns, the TGA is proposing limiting their sale to pharmacies, and only after consultation with a pharmacist. Daily doses higher than 200mg already need a doctor's prescription. So under the proposal that would stay the same. What happens if you take too much? If you take too much vitamin B6, in most cases the excess will be excreted in your urine and most people won't experience side effects. But there is a growing concern about long-time, high-dose use. A side effect the medical community is worried about is peripheral neuropathy – where there is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This results in pain, numbness or weakness, usually in your hands and feet. We don't yet know exactly how this happens. In most reported cases, these symptoms disappear once you stop taking the supplement. But for some people it may take three months to two years before they feel completely better. There is growing, but sometimes contradictory, evidence that high doses (more than 50mg a day) for extended periods can result in serious side effects. A study from the 1990s followed 70 patients for five years who took a dose of 100 to 150mg a day. There were no reported cases of neuropathy. But more recent studies show high rates of side effects. A 2023 case report provides details of a man who was taking multiple supplements. This resulted in a daily combined 95mg dose of vitamin B6, and he experienced neuropathy. Another report describes seven cases of neuropathy linked to drinking energy drinks containing vitamin B6. Reports to the TGA's database of adverse events notifications (a record of reported side effects) shows 174 cases of neuropathy linked with vitamin B6 use since 2023. What should I do if I take vitamin B6? The current advice is that someone who takes a dose of 50mg a day or more, for more than six months, should be monitored by a health-care professional. So if you regularly take vitamin B6 supplements you should discuss continued use with your doctor or pharmacist. There are three side effects to watch out for, the first two related to neuropathy: -numbness or pain in the feet and hands -difficulty with balance and coordination as a result of muscle weakness -heartburn and nausea. If you have worrying side effects after taking vitamin B6 supplements, contact your state's poison information centre on 13 11 26 for advice.
Herald Sun
30-06-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
TGA calls to remove common vitamin from shelves after poisoning cases spike
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Many Australians take supplements hoping to support their general wellbeing, but it's easier than a lot of us realise to consume more than is safe. If you've been sick, fatigued or regularly unwell in the last few years, it's likely you've had someone encourage you to get your vitamin B levels checked. But with walls full of supplements readily available on pharmacy shelves, many people up their intake of the vitamin in the hopes of boosting their health without consulting their doctor. According to Health Direct, half of Australians take a dietary supplement, and many assume that the daily tablets are relatively harmless, but experts say it's not that hard to overdo it. The risk of taking too much Vitamin B-6 The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has received over 170 reports through its Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN) of products containing vitamin B-6 linked to nerve damage in the form of: Peripheral neuropathy Causes weakness and pain in the extremities as a result of damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause paralysis, muscle atrophy and hyperactivity. The rare condition can induce numbness, muscle weakness, mobility issues and pain due to immune system problems. Image: iStock Small fibre neuropathy This causes numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in the hands and feet due to damage to small nerve fibres, according to Cleveland Clinic. Chronic polyneuropathy The rare condition can induce numbness, muscle weakness, mobility issues and pain due to immune system problems. This form of neuropathy is a result of 'damage to the nerves that carry messages of touch, temperature, pain and other sensations to the brain', according to the NHS. Image: iStock Peripheral sensory neuropathy This form of neuropathy is a result of 'damage to the nerves that carry messages of touch, temperature, pain and other sensations to the brain', according to the NHS. It can trigger numbness, burning, pain, and loss of balance or coordination. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in our brain development and is essential in small amounts to support nervous system function. Image: Pexels The regulator is hoping to reduce the risk to consumers. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in our brain development and is essential in small amounts to support nervous system function. But speaking to the ABC, the Australian Medical Association board member, Michael Bonning said, "there are likely hundreds of thousands of Australians who are taking far too much'. "While most of them have no side effects, if you are taking large doses of B6 your risk of peripheral neuropathy goes up.' It's likely far more cases of overconsumption that have gone unreported. Image: iStock The doctor says there are likely far more cases of overconsumption that have gone unreported. "We know that reported cases of peripheral neuropathy are a massive underestimate of the problem in the community because so many people are unaware that vitamins can cause these symptoms." The TGA recommends changes to the sale of Vitamin B-6 A senior medical officer from the TGA has handed down a report recommending changes to the sale of Vitamin B-6 supplements aimed at reducing the risk of overconsumption. The report recommended a pharmacist be consulted before consumers purchased B-6 supplements. Image: Unsplash The report suggested that customers be required to talk to a pharmacist before purchasing supplements with more than 50mg of B-6. The public can buy supplements containing up to 200mg of the vitamin over the counter currently, which the report points out regularly have a dose far higher than the recommended daily intake. A prescription should be required to access supplements with more than 200mg of vitamin B6 to limit risk, as per the recommendations. The report recommended changes to rules surrounding packaging. Image: Pexels Clearer labelling needed In addition to supplements, the vitamin is added to a multitude of products, including energy drinks, diet shakes, multivitamins and medicines. The report recommended changes to rules surrounding packaging, with a focus on highlighting the presence of vitamin B6 in products, clearer warnings to inform consumers of the risk of taking too much, and making it easier for consumers to understand the recommended dosage. The report noted, "use of ingredient names in labelling is inconsistent and confusing for consumers … and not always described as vitamin B6". "Of concern is that there are several products on the market where the front of the label provides no indication that vitamin B6 is an ingredient." Originally published as TGA calls to remove common vitamin from shelves after poisoning cases spike
GMA Network
24-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
ESSAY: In defense of the kamote
Languishing in Congress is a proposed law that some headlines have dubbed the 'anti-kamote driver bill.' It's pure clickbait. When you actually read the bill, it's clear that it aims to protect innocent drivers from being unlawfully detained after accidents, a necessary safeguard for due process. There's nothing in the text that addresses the behaviors typically associated with so-called 'kamote drivers.' So why drag the kamote into it at all? Because the word has become viral shorthand that could catch eyeballs: a lazy, derogatory label for reckless motorists and motorcycle riders. And in doing so, we've allowed a vital, nutritious, and culturally significant crop to be reduced — again — to an insult. It's time to take the kamote back. The association with traffic chaos is just the latest instance of a century-long practice of maligning the kamote. 'Nangangamote' is a dreaded label that no student wants, and no one wants to hear a teacher (or boss) say, 'Go home and plant kamote!' But it's unfair — not to the students, drivers, and riders but to the kamote. The bullying of the kamote has to stop. We should be glorifying the kamote and not equating it with failure, stupidity, or recklessness. The kamote, along with a wide array of other root crops grown across the Philippines, has long been hailed by nutrition experts as a superfood. It's a nutritional powerhouse rich in fiber, amino acids, and vitamins, including brain-boosting B6. Scientists have studied its potential to lower hypertension, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar. And it's versatile, whether as talbos ng kamote salad or the beloved streetside kamote cue. But its value goes beyond nutrition. The kamote is a low-maintenance crop. It requires little to no fertilizer and pesticides, and grows underground, naturally shielded from typhoons and extreme heat, the same climate shocks that devastate rice farmers. In a warming world, kamote isn't just a food; it's the meaning of resilience, perhaps even the key to survival. Now compare that to rice: exalted, pampered, politically weaponized. In 2022, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. won on a campaign promise to make rice cheap. Today, that promise haunts his administration. Filipinos love rice deeply. Many eat it three times daily. Some even soak it in coffee! Then come the rice-based desserts. Woe unto the politician who dares suggest cutting down on unli rice consumption. But any sensible doctor will tell you: that might help you live longer. Polished white rice stripped of key nutrients contributes to obesity and diabetes. Medical anthropologist Gideon Lasco has noted that rice was once a prestige food, grown in uplands and consumed by elites. What did the rest of the population eat? Hardy, nutritious root crops like kamote. Rice became an aspirational food for the kamote-dependent masses. They lacked prestige, but also rarely faced the health problems now linked to white rice. The American colonial period sealed the fates of both crops. Fernando Amorsolo's romanticized paintings of rice farmers helped elevate rice as a national symbol, tying it to idyllic visions of rural life. At the same time, agricultural expansion and new techniques made rice more accessible. It was no longer reserved for the elite. Yet for many poor Filipinos, kamote and other root crops remained the everyday staple. Rice was saved for birthdays, fiestas, and other special occasions. Meanwhile, American colonial teachers were known to insult students by calling them 'kamote eaters' — a slur that did more than shame diets. It planted the idea that indigenous ways of living, eating, and thinking were backward. Over time, this colonial mentality took root, normalizing the view of kamote and much of native Filipino culture as inferior. What was once an anchor for a healthy, self-reliant lifestyle became a punchline, a marker of shame. It doesn't help that the word kamot — as in the reflexive head-scratch (kamot-ulo) of rules-challenged riders and drivers — sounds almost like kamote. (Kamote actually comes from the Aztec word camotli, a culinary remnant of the two-hundred-year galleon trade between Mexico and the Philippines.) Today, with the sheer number of motorcycles on the road, riders have become both the most common victims and leading causes of the spike in road crashes. The term kamote rider has become iconic, not for any romantic reasons but as a symbol of disregard for traffic rules. With all that negative baggage, what hope does the kawawang kamote have of being embraced by nutrition-challenged youth? It's a cultural challenge with food-security implications. The Philippines is now the world's biggest rice importer. With a growing population and shrinking farmlands, rice self-sufficiency is no longer a dream but a delusion. Much of our rice now comes from China, handing them yet another geopolitical lever to tighten around our future. But there's a native solution hiding in plain sight: our root crops. By increasing consumption of locally grown kamote, gabi, cassava, taro, and other underground carbohydrates, we can reduce our dependence on imported rice and reclaim a part of our culinary heritage. As Dr. Gideon Lasco notes, traditional sinigang with gabi already offers a complete, satisfying meal. No rice needed. Root crops aren't just food. They're food security. They're health. They're sovereignty. As we say of the West Philippine Sea, 'Atin 'to.' Yet rebranding the kamote might be just as important as promoting its nutritional value. That's already started with experts like Dr. Lasco and former Health Secretary Janet Garin publicly extolling its virtues. To truly counter the kamote stereotypes in popular culture, we need more than endorsements from doctors and scientists. Celebrities and fast-food giants must step in and celebrate kamote as a superfood that fuels both brains and bodies. Political and community leaders must champion its cultivation, investing in research and reviving traditional knowledge of native preparations. Chefs can turn it into the next big food trend, reinventing kamote for a new generation. And let's be honest: the problem isn't the kamote, it's the reckless riders. So let's rebrand them. Call them Team Balagbag. Singit Riders. Lubak Legends. Just leave kamote out of it. It's time we looked down not to belittle but to rediscover the power beneath our feet.
