The increased awareness of plant-based diets is encouraging everyone to follow veganism. People now prefer vegetarian diets while keeping their health on priority. According to a study, Vitamin B6 from plant-based foods might have lower bioavailability than vitamin B6 you get from animal foods. Furthermore, the study suggests that a vegetarian diet does not pose a risk for vitamin B6 deficiency.

Vegetarians have a low risk for heart, cancer, eye cataract, and other severe diseases. Previous studies on Vitamin B6 among vegetarians were inconsistent and reported lower serum concentrations of pyridoxal -5- phosphate (PLP) among vegetarians in comparison to meat-eaters. Therefore, the team conducted a study to assess vitamin B6 status among flexitarians and vegetarians in the population-based NHANES.

NHANES is a popular study program conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). In the recent study, the researchers used data from two NHANES cycles: 2007-2008 and 2009-2010. Vitamin B6 was examined according to the serum concentrations of PLP and 4-PA, as well as the ratio of 4-PA/PLP.

The report concluded that the use of vitamin B6 supplements was the best predictor of vitamin B6 status, followed by the dietary vitamin B6 intake. Several other covariates were associated with Vitamin B6 biomarker levels, particularly serum albumin, which should be considered when assessing vitamin B6 status. According to researchers, consuming a vegetarian diet does not pose a risk for vitamin B6 deficiency.

Highlights of This Study

1. The researchers did not find significant differences in PLP, 4-PA, and their ratio across the groups in linear regression models.

2. Variates should be considered when assessing the Vitamin B6 status.

Few of Many Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

1. Good for Heart Health

It is believed that people who eat vegetarian foods have less risk of heart diseases. Foods like walnuts, berries, avocado, and more improve immunity and prevent your body from heart diseases.

2. Increases lifespan

Several factors contribute to an increased lifetime, and following a vegetarian diet is the best factor that everyone should follow. The more you eat fruits, the fewer chemicals build up in your body, adding more years to your life.

3. Reduces risk of diabetes

A vegetarian diet is easy to absorb and contains low fatty acids. A strict vegetarian diet is low in fat and enhances blood sugar levels. Here are veg foods that should be consumed to control diabetes.

Final Words

An analysis of different diets and their impact on vitamin B6 has found no relation between plant-based diets and vitamin deficiency as supplements. Following a vegetarian diet also helps in preventing arthritis and gout.