Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine or Pyridoxal) is a vitamin that can easily be dissolved in water which means the body is not able to store it for a long time. This also means that person should get a normal supply of it since it is easily excreted through the urine.

Since this isn’t the most popular supplement, you might wonder about the benefits brought by this nutrient to the body.

Here are some specific functions to the body:

Protein Metabolism

Metabolism of red blood cell

Tryptophan conversion to niacin

Proper functioning of the nervous system

Proper functioning of the immune system

Increases the oxygen level of hemoglobin

Maintenance of sugar or blood glucose

Vitamin B6 plays a very important role in the maintenance of bodily systems and it is recommended that a person take in at least 1.3 mg daily

Men and women below 50- 1.7 mg

Men over 50- 1.5 mg

Women over 50- 2 mg

Lactating and pregnant women- 1.9 mg

Without adequate consumption, deficiencies can occur and lead to serious health conditions.

How can a person become deficient ?

Children with asthma and who are treated by tehophylline should get supplements as this medication results to a low storage of this nutrient in the body.

Consider the following health problems for those who are deficient:

1. Pyroluria-is an illness related to a chemical imbalance as a result of an abnormal synthesis of the hemoglobin. And because B6 is an important component in hemoglobin formation, its deficiency can cause this disease.

2. Irritability/Grumpiness/Depression-A person who exhibits these symptoms can also be deficient. However, studies don’t conclude that depression can be treated with supplements.

3. Dermatitis or skin disorders

4. Soreness of the tongue

5. Anemia

Vitamin B6 is also popular as a supplemental treatment for:

Premenstrual Syndrome-It has been used to treat this condition which is more popularly known as PMS. However, there are reports of high toxicity among women taking this for PMS.

Carpal tunnel syndrome-There is no scientific evidence that taking in a minimum of 100 mg daily can treat this illness. However, a lot of books are recommending this. It is important to consult with a doctor first to ensure the safety of the patient.

Parkinson’s disease-It is said to be instrumental in cutting back the risks resulting from this disease. However, the study is still non-conclusive.

Hangover-It can be used to lessen this effect.

Morning sickness-It can be used to remedy these ill effects experienced by pregnant women. It has been proven safe for pregnant women. The regular intake of Vitamin B6 as well as other substances like magnesium is said to be an effective treatment for autistic children.

The good thing about Vitamin B6 is that it can be easily found in plants(vegetables) and animal sources. Among those foods are:

Nuts (hemp seeds)

Bananas

Wheat germ

Fortified cereals

Flesh and skin of baked potato

Chicken Breast

Salmon and Tuna

Liver

Chicken

Avocados

Some people who may still be using supplements should be vigilent of excessive doses. A Vitamin B6 (particularly from supplements not from food sources) overdose can result in a deadening or numbing of the arms and legs, also known as sensory neuropathy in the medical world.

However, such a condition can be reversed once the taking in of the supplement is stopped.