A new British study has found that taking high doses of vitamin B6 can help calm anxiety and reduce feelings of depression.
The study, published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, highlights the importance of using supplements that are believed to alter activity levels in the brain to prevent or treat mood disorders.
Researchers at the University of Reading said the vitamin can interfere with brain chemistry and ultimately reduce levels of anxiety and depression.
Vitamin B6 is also important for the normal growth of the brain, and the maintenance of a healthy nervous and immune system.
The study found that those who took a vitamin B6 supplement experienced a significant reduction in depression and anxiety, while those who took vitamin B12 showed little effect compared to a placebo during the trial period.
Dr. David Field, lead author of the study, noted that “vitamin B6” helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that suppresses impulses in the brain.
The researchers explained that many foods, such as tuna, chickpeas and many fruits and vegetables, contain vitamin B6.
