At this point, several published research papers and clinical trials have shown that vitamins D and C, as well as minerals such as zinc and magnesium, can reduce the severity of symptoms in patients with COVID-19. However, a researcher is now calling on scientists to explore another useful vitamin that may have been overlooked.
In an opinion article published in the magazine Frontiers in Nutrition Thanutchaporn Kumrungsee, an assistant professor at the University of Hiroshima in Japan, proposed that vitamin B6 could play a key role in the fight against the new coronavirus. (Related: the vitamin that doctors recommend everyone take now)
“There is growing evidence that vitamin B6 has a protective effect against chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, suppressing inflammation, inflammasomes, oxidative stress and carbonyl stress,” says the article. “In addition, vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with lower immune function and greater susceptibility to viral infection.”
However, some health experts remain suspicious – and for good reason. Ali Webster, PhD, RD and Director of Research and Nutrition Communication at the International Food Information Council, says it is still too early to determine whether the vitamin may or may not help to reduce the risk of developing adverse symptoms of COVID-19.
“There are plausible biological mechanisms for this, and the low levels of B6 in the body are associated with a weakened immune system. But often, the promise of a positive impact exists, but the result of well-designed studies is disappointing.” she says.
Webster explains that research on vitamin B6 intake as a supplement to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and even cognitive decline is also somewhat inconclusive.
“More research is needed in each of these areas, in addition to work to determine its effect on the severity of COVID-19,” he adds.
Brittany Busse, MD, Associate Medical Director at WorkCare agrees that more research is needed, however, notes that vitamin B6 is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which can help you prevent and combat adverse symptoms of COVID -19.
“There are many vitamins that can potentially help reduce inflammation, and B6 is one of them,” she says.
She also adds that the severity of COVID-19 is mainly based on the amount of inflammation in your body creates in response to the virus. That is why it is essential to keep inflammation levels low, following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; practice regular and moderate exercises; sleep a lot and manage stress.
“In a good, normal state of health, we would like to have as little inflammation as possible in our bodies before we become infected with COVID,” said Busse. “So, we do what we can, once you get sick, to try to reduce your body’s excessive reactivity to the virus.”
Similar to vitamins D and K, Busse says that vitamin B6 can operate as an anti-inflammatory mechanism against the cytokine storm – which causes inflammation – that occurs after infection. Having a good baseline level of vitamin B6, in addition to vitamins C, D, K and minerals like zinc and magnesium, can be really useful if you get the virus.
Until more research is done and before you buy a vitamin B6 supplement, it may be easier to turn to food to make sure you are getting enough vitamin. Found in animal proteins such as beef, poultry, plant sources such as potatoes and even fortified cereals, Webster says that vitamin B6 helps the body in the metabolism of proteins, in addition to supporting cognitive development and immune function.
If you are going to take a vitamin B6 supplement, Busse says you should only take the recommended amount, as an overdose of vitamin can lead to poor health results.
“Focus on the diet first,” she says. “If you have a good, well-balanced diet, your body absorbs vitamins and minerals better.”
For more information, be sure to check out 5 grocery items that help fight COVID.