Alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. This trend coincides with a growing number of studies examining the nutrients found in beer, according to Iltalehti.
Differences between beer types
A new German study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, examined 65 beers from German supermarkets.
The researchers found that bock beer had the highest content of vitamin B6, while rice beer had the lowest. In contrast, there was almost no difference in vitamin B6 content between regular lager and alcohol-free lager.
However, none of the beers studied contained enough vitamin B6 to qualify for a health claim under EU regulations.
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Half a liter of beer
Vitamin B6 is important for the body and plays a role in functions including brain health and muscle performance, according to healthcare company Terveystalo.
Experts emphasize, however, that the vitamin should primarily come from everyday foods such as meat, dairy products, grains, and vegetables.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare and is often linked to a highly unbalanced diet, according to the BBC.
On average, half a liter of beer can provide around 15 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.
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The researchers also highlight alcohol-free beer as the best option, as it can provide the same amount of the vitamin without the well-known health risks associated with alcohol.
Sources: Iltalehti, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Terveystalo, and BBC.
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