High levels of Vitamin B6 prior to pregnancy, increases conception rates and reduces the odds of miscarriage at early pregnancy stage, suggests a new research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine) and can be found naturally in the following dietary sources: fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables.

According to lead author Alayne Ronnenberg from the University of Massachusetts Amherst:

"We found that poor preconception vitamin B6 status was associated with increased risk of early pregnancy loss and reduced probabilities of conception and clinical pregnancy in a prospective cohort of young Chinese women.

Vitamin B6-dependent coenzymes participate in over 100 reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, nucleic acids, and glycogen.

Vitamin B6 deficiency has also been associated with impairment of enzymes involved in the structural integrity of arterial walls, which could affect implantation and early placental development."

While these observations suggest that maternal vitamin B6 status may influence reproductive events throughout the entire course of pregnancy - further investigation is necessary to find out if the same results translate to other population group since the data came from Chinese women.

Until then, the "Big 3" of pregnancy nutrition (folic acid, calcium with vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids) will not include Vitamin B6 yet.

Read the full report.

[In Photo: Nature Made Vitamin B-6 Supplement Tablets, 50 mg, 100-Count Bottles (Pack of 6) via Amazon]