Vitamin B6 deficiency and Covid-19
The relationship between immunity and nutrition is well known and its role in COVID-19 is also being paid great attention.
In addition
to washing your hands, food and nutrition are among the first lines of defense
against Covid-19 virus infection. Food is our first medicine and kitchen is our
first pharmacy.
Patients with
severe COVID-19 infections often experience a hyperactive immune response
called cytokine storm. This exaggerated response releases signaling proteins
called cytokines, which are an important part of your immune system. But if too
many are released, it can cause severe acute inflammation that leads to tissue
and organ damage.
Vitamin B6
has a close relationship with the immune system. Its levels always drop in
people under chronic inflammation such as obesity, diabetes, and heart
diseases. We can see from the news that obese and diabetic people are at high
risk for COVID-19.
Read more: The vitamin that can save your life
Vitamin B6
deficiency is more common in people with liver, kidney, digestive or autoimmune
diseases, as well as smokers, obese people, alcoholics and pregnant women.
Vitamin B6 is a known anti-thrombosis and
anti-inflammation nutrient. Deficiency in this vitamin is also associated with
lower immune function and higher susceptibility to viral infections.
Vitamin B6 can
help reduce high homocysteine levels that lead to narrowing of arteries. This
may minimize heart disease risk.
Vitamin B6 is needed to help make the red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout your body and help you feel energized.
Symptoms of
vitamin B6 deficiency:
1- Vitamin B6
deficiency is one cause of a red, itchy rash called seborrheic dermatitis.
One reason B6
deficiency may result in skin rashes is that the vitamin helps synthesize
collagen, which is needed for healthy skin. In these cases, consuming B6 may
clear up the rash quickly.
2- Cheilosis,
which is characterized by sore, red and swollen lips with cracked mouth
corners, can result from B6 deficiency. Cracked areas may bleed and become
infected.
Read more: 5 proven signs that you have vitamin D deficiency
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Read more: 7 ways to increase your blood Oxygen
3- If you
have a B6 deficiency, your tongue may become swollen, sore, smooth, inflamed or
reddened. This is called glossitis.
4- Shortfalls
of B6 may affect your mood, sometimes contributing to depression, anxiety,
irritability and increased feelings of pain.
5- If you
don’t get enough B6, your body can’t make the antibodies, white blood cells and
other immune factors it needs to fight germs and ward off diseases.
6- A vitamin
B6 deficiency can leave you feeling unusually tired and sluggish.
Your body
isn’t able to store very much B6. To avoid deficiency, you need to consume it
on a regular basis.
Here are some of the top foods that naturally supply B6:
|
Food |
Serving Size |
% RDI |
|
Skinless turkey breast, roasted |
3 oz (85 g) |
40% |
|
Pork loin, roasted |
3 oz (85 g) |
33% |
|
Halibut, cooked |
3 oz (85 g) |
32% |
|
Sirloin steak, broiled |
3 oz (85 g) |
29% |
|
Skinless chicken breast, cooked |
3 oz (85 g) |
26% |
|
Wild-caught coho salmon, cooked |
3 oz (85 g) |
24% |
|
Banana |
Medium-sized (118 g) |
22% |
|
Baked potato with skin |
Small (138 g) |
21% |
|
Roasted pistachios |
1 oz (28 g) |
19% |
|
Sweet red pepper slices, raw |
1 cup (92 g) |
16% |
|
Prunes |
1/4 cup (33 g) |
14% |
|
Frozen Brussels sprouts, boiled |
1/2 cup (78 g) |
13% |
|
Sunflower seeds, roasted |
1 oz (28 g) |
11% |
|
Avocado |
1/2 fruit (68 g) |
11% |
|
Lentils, boiled |
1/2 cup (99 g) |
10% |
In
some cases, a vitamin B6 supplement may be advised as well.
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