Vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxine) - vitamin b6 deficiency, Benefits, side effects of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine. It is a water-soluble and alcohol soluble vitamin of the B complex group. Vitamin B6 has an effect on over 60 proteins in the body, importantly, those that play a role in the nervous system, in red and white blood cell production, and in heart disease. Vitamin B 6 is found in many foods including meat, poultry, fish, some vegetables, fortified cereals, and beans. It is important to make sure your body is receiving enough of the vitamin because deficiency can affect you in adverse ways.

Recommended daily dose of Vitamin B6

A healthy diet should include 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B6. Higher doses have been tested as a treatment for conditions ranging from premenstrual syndrome to attention deficit disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome. To date, there is little evidence that it works. Among the benefits of Vitamin B 6 is evidence that it can help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin B 6 has also become a popular remedy for premenstrual syndrome although there is no real evidence to support this as a treatment for PMS.

Sources of Foods containing the Vitamin B6

Best source sources of Vitamin B6 are Meats, oily fish, poultry, whole grains, dried fortified cereals, soybeans, avocados, baked potatoes with skins, watermelon, plantains, bananas, peanuts, and brewer's yeast. Fortified cereals, wheat germ, organ meats, fortified soy-based meat substitutes are good sources of Vitamin B6. If you are looking to add more Vitamin B 6 naturally to your diet, you are in luck. This vitamin is found in a wide variety of foods. Fortified breakfast cereals, meats, fish, beans, bananas, and peanut butter are all excellent sources.

Benefits of Vitamin B6 for Human Health

Vitamin B6 helps body use proteins; affects nervous system. Vitamin B6 play key roles in recycling homocysteine into methionine, one of the 20 or so building blocks from which the body builds new proteins.

What are the risks involved with Vitamin B 6 deficiency?

B 6 deficiency is rare. It is more common in older people. Symptoms do not occur until later stages of the deficiency. Signs can include dermatitis (skin inflammation), sore tongue, confusion, convulsions, and depression. It is important to see a physician if you suspect deficiency so that you can be properly treated.

If you exhibit poor eating habits or if you are an alcoholic, you may benefit from taking a Vitamin B 6 supplement. Alcohol actually promotes the destruction of B 6 from the body.

Vitamin B6 Deficiencies

Deficiencies of Vitamin B6 are increased levels of homocysteine, associated with heart disease, birth defects, and possibly Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Skin problems and nervous system disorders, including impaired memory and concentration. Increased risk for kidney stones.

Toxicities Information and Reaction for Vitamin B6

Very high doses of Vitamin B6 (2,000 mg per day) can cause nerve damage with symptoms of instability and numbness in the feet and hands, which may be permanent in some cases. In some cases, the damage may be permanent. Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 also reduces the effects of L-dopa, the drug used for Parkinson's disease. There is, however, a risk of too much Vitamin B 6. Excessive amounts of B 6 can result in nerve damage to the legs and arms. This doesn't usually occur from eating too many foods rich in B 6 but rather from a high intake of B 6 supplements. The good news is that the damage is reversible once you stop taking the supplements.