Levels of the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5' phosphate) were found to be inversely associated with the risk for a heart attack in women.

The study involved 32,826 women who provided blood samples, and were then tracked for a number of years. The women with the highest level of vitamin B6 in their blood were 22 percent less likely to have a heart attack and a 36 percent reduced risk if over the age of 60.

Vitamin B6 is important for nerve function, stress tolerance, and clearing homocysteine (a known cardiovascular risk factor). All B vitamins are required for optimal health. This data shows they can also reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease in women.