Vitamin B6 and Fertility

There are a lot of couples out there who are trying to conceive but with no success. If you are one of them, then you might want to check on your vitamin B6 intake—a water-soluble vitamin that is found in a variety of foods. We all know that vitamins are essential nutrients for the body, however, a lot of people still don’t consume healthy, nutritious, well-balanced diet that can provide them with vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals help in the growth, repair, and protection of the entire physical and physiological functioning of our body. Vitamin B6 is just one member of the family of vitamins, but studies have shown that this nutrient plays a pivotal role in fertility.

Impact of Vitamin B6 Deficiency on Fertility

Vitamin B6 is great for your body, especially in aiding fertility. If your body lacks this fundamental vitamin, here’s what you’re likely to face.

• Vitamin B6 plays an important role in maintaining and balancing the hormones in your body. A deficiency of vitamin B6 will mean hormonal imbalance for you, especially an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone.

• An irregular menstrual cycle, caused by the imbalance of hormones is another downside of vitamin B6 deficiency.

• Studies have shown that people who have Vitamin B6 deficiency also complain of excess retention of water in their bodies, causing them to feel bloated.

• The lack of vitamin B6 will also have a psychological impact on you, it is known to cause mood swings. This again is attributed to the fact that the lack of vitamin B6 largely affects your hormonal balance.

• Lacks of Vitamin B6 also results in poor sperm and affects female egg quality. This is why this vitamin is important for both men and women.

• The luteal phase is a crucial stage of the menstrual and reproductive stage. It is the second half of your cycle, just after menstruation. This phase is important not just for fertility but also for your overall health. It prepares your body for yet another cycle. The lack or deficiency of vitamin B6 has a negative impact on the luteal phase. A lot of hormones come into the picture during this phase. For the effective functioning of these hormones, it is important that you have the right nutrients, vitamin B6 included.

How Does Vitamin B6 Boost Fertility?

Now that we’ve established the importance of vitamin B6 and the impact of the deficiency of the same, here’s a look into vitamin B6 for conception and how it can boost fertility.

1. Balances Oestrogen and Progesterone

As mentioned above, vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in maintaining a balance of our hormones. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin B6 can balance the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are the two key players in reproduction.

2. Increases Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is extremely important as it helps in easy transportation of the sperm to the egg. In addition to that, it nourishes and protects the egg and sperm. Vitamin B6 helps in the generation of cervical mucus.

3. Strengthens the Luteal Phase

Vitamin B6 is known to strengthen the luteal phase. By this, it means that it makes your uterus more receptive to the factors of pregnancy. Adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 in your body can generate hormones that make the uterine lining stronger and increase the levels of progesterone, thereby increasing your chances of conception.

4. Restores Libido

Studies have shown that vitamin B6 can increase or restore libido or the sex drive as well. This is due to the increase in the hormone progesterone.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is found in a wide variety of foods. The foods include turkey, fish, oatmeal, brown rice, wheat germ, soya bean, walnuts, green leafy vegetables, bananas, avocado, eggs, milk, peanuts, and potatoes.

Should You Take Vitamin B6 Supplements for Fertility?

Vitamins function best when all the vitamins are present in the right amount. One vitamin alone won’t be enough. This is why it is recommended that people consume multivitamins unless there is a deficiency of a particular vitamin. As far as Vitamin B6 is concerned, taking its supplements won’t provide you much, So, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements on your own.

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin B6 for Fertility

The Vitamin B6 fertility dosage varies for men and women. If you’re thinking “how much vitamin b6 should you take for fertility?”, then here’s the answer.

1. From Your Diet

You are most likely to get all the Vitamin B6 you need from your daily diet if it is rich in nutrients. Through your diet, men should get around 1.4mg of Vitamin B6  and women should get 1.2mg of it.

2. From Supplements

The same holds good for supplements as well. The daily dose of vitamin B6 through supplements should be 1.4mg for men and 1.2mg for women. Make sure you look for food based or organic supplements, as opposed to synthetic, lab-made supplements. Food-based supplements are more natural and absorbed better by the body.

Does Excess Consumption of Vitamin B6 Cause Any Side Effects?

Too much of anything can be bad for you, and the same holds true for vitamin B6 as well. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of vitamin B6 can lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, in which one can lose the sense of feeling in their arms and legs. In some cases, vitamin B6 can cause stomach ache, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and headaches as well.

What Can Decrease Vitamin B6 in Your Body?

Certain conditions or your habits can decrease the levels of vitamin B6 in your body. But the good thing is you can control them. Find out what decreases Vitamin B6 in your body and what you can do:

• Stress is a known culprit for many diseases, disorders, and deficiencies, and the same goes for vitamin B6 deficiency as well. Stay away from situations or people that are causing you stress.

• Excessive consumption of coffee or caffeinated products can cause vitamin B6 deficiency as well. Make sure you limit your coffee intake to not more than one cup a day. You can switch to healthier drinks like chamomile tea, lavender tea, or other herbal teas.

• Stop consuming excessively processed foods. Instead, switch to a wholesome, healthier diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

• Make sure you don’t overcook or excessively heat up your food as your food may lose its nutritional value. Eat fresh food and consume lots of green veggies and fruits.

Now that you know the benefits of Vitamin B6 for fertility, its effects, and the dangers of its excessive consumption, you can go ahead, and under the consultation of your doctor, make the necessary lifestyle changes and incorporate vitamin B6 into your diet. Also, knowing when to take B6 for fertility during the ovulation phase or the luteal phase, is important, so again, consult your healthcare practitioner. Incorporate a good exercise regime as a part of your daily routine as well. Physical activities like running, swimming, or even walking can have a good impact on your overall health and improve your chances of conception.