Vitamin B6 & Weight Management: Exploring the Connection

Although there is no proof that any type of supplement will lead to weight loss, some nutritionists believe that making sure you have an adequate level of B6 in your diet will help you lose those pounds.

Vitamin B6

• Like the other B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps the body turn food into energy. The B vitamins also help the body metabolize fats and protein.

Sources

• Foods that contain Vitamin B6 include chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, milk, cheese, lentils, soybeans, spinach, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole-grain flour and nuts. In addition, some meat substitutes containing soy may be fortified with Vitamin B6.

No Proof

• Taking supplements such as conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fish oil or Vitamin B6 have not been proven to aid in weight loss, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Multivitamin

• Taking a multivitamin will ensure that any nutritional deficiencies the body has that might hinder weight loss are resolved.

Solution

• Mayo Clinic doctors say, rather than looking to a vitamin for a quick fix to weight loss, dieters should focus their efforts on healthy eating and daily exercise to lose weight.