Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin which means it dissolves in water. It is not stored by the body, and it is excreted in the urine, so people need to take in Vitamin B6 every day. It is part of the family of B-complex vitamins. Your body cannot produce vitamin B6 and naturally present in many foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B6 is important for optimal health and may even prevent and treat chronic diseases. [2]
Functions, Roles & Benefits of Pyridoxine include (but not limited to) [1, 2] † :
- Protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism
- Glucose metabolism,
- Keeping the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen healthy
- Manufacture of hemoglobin (hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells which carries oxygen)
- Involved in producing the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, and in forming myelin (benefits the central nervous system)
- May Improve Mood and Reduce Symptoms of Depression (ie: Low levels of vitamin B6 in older adults have been linked to depression.)
- May Promote Brain Health and Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk (ie:Vitamin B6 may prevent a decline in brain function by decreasing homocysteine levels that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairments.)
- May Prevent and Treat Anemia by Aiding Hemoglobin Production (ie: Not getting enough vitamin B6 can lead to low hemoglobin and anemia, so supplementing with this vitamin may prevent or treat these issues.)
- May Be Useful in Treating Symptoms of PMS (ie: Some research has indicated that high doses of vitamin B6 may be effective at decreasing anxiety and other mood issues associated with PMS due to its role in creating neurotransmitters.)
- May Help Treat Nausea During Pregnancy
[1, 2] †
A mild deficiency may have no symptoms, but a more severe or prolonged deficiency can exhibit the following-Signs and symptoms include [2]:
- Peripheral neuropathy with tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
- Anemia (ie: microcytic anemia)
- Seizures
- Depression
- Confusion
- Weakened immune system (lowered immunity)
- Skin conditions such as: pellagra-like syndrome, with seborrheic dermatitis, inflammation of the tongue, or glossitis, and inflammation and cracking of the lips, known as cheilosis.
- In infants, seizures may persist even after treatment with anticonvulsants. Other deficiencies, like peripheral neuropathy, can be permanent.
There are certain populations may be at risk for deficiency including (but not limited to) [2] †:
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune intestinal disorders like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease (individuals with poor intestinal absorption [malabsorption] as human body absorbs vitamin B6 in the jejunum)
- Pyridoxine-inactivating drugs (such as anticonvulsants)
- Certain antibiotics (such as isoniazid and cycloserine for tuberculosis)
- Hydralazine (Apresoline), a vasodilator that expands blood vessels and lowers blood pressure
- Corticosteroids, used to treat autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis), allergies, and asthma
- taking estrogens, and some other medications.
- Alcohol dependency; Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption may eventually result in a B6 deficiency, as can hypothyroidism and diabetes.
- Autoimmune inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B6 [3] |
||||
Age |
Male |
Female |
Pregnancy |
Lactation |
Birth to 6 months |
0.1 mg* |
0.1 mg* |
||
7–12 months |
0.3 mg* |
0.3 mg* |
||
1–3 years |
0.5 mg |
0.5 mg |
||
4–8 years |
0.6 mg |
0.6 mg |
||
9–13 years |
1.0 mg |
1.0 mg |
||
14–18 years |
1.3 mg |
1.2 mg |
1.9 mg |
2.0 mg |
19–50 years |
1.3 mg |
1.3 mg |
1.9 mg |
2.0 mg |
51+ years |
1.7 mg |
1.5 mg |
||
* Adequate Intake (AI) |
||||
Most people who eat a well-balanced, varied diet will get the required amount of vitamin B6 without having to take dietary supplements. But if your diet tends to be scarce on protein, you may want to pay attention to how much B6 you’re getting.
“The fact that B vitamins are so important to our nutritional status coupled with the fact that they are "water soluble" — they are not stored in your body to any major extent — makes it quite easy to run dry on supplies,” said Dr. David Greuner, director and co-founder of NYC Surgical Associates.
Since the body can so easily run out of B6, it is important to consume foods that contain B6. Some of the best sources of B6 include beans, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, dark leafy greens, papayas, oranges and cantaloupe, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). Bananas are another good source.
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s Vitamin B-6 supplement (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) that is essential to us. Vitamin B-6 is a cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions and is required for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It facilitates the conversion of amino acids from one to another as needed. It has a vital role in maintenance of a healthy nervous system. We need Vitamin B-6 for normal synthesis of hemoglobin as well as production and normal function of red blood cells. Vitamin B-6 also plays an important role in regulating Homocysteine (a by-product of methionine cycle) of which is known to be particularly destructive to vascular structures (including other bodily tissues).
Features:
- 100mg Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- 1 tablet per serving, take with meal
- vegetarian capsule
† Benefits:
- Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids—the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones.
- Natural Antioxidant: Vitamin B6 promotes healthy levels of energy production and decreases fatigue
- Helps promote healthy skin, eye, hair, nerve, liver and muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Morning Sickness: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology considers vitamin B6 a first-line treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is some evidence that taking vitamin B6 as pyridoxine by mouth can improve PMS symptoms including breast pain.
- age-related macular degeneration (eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults). Some research shows that taking vitamin B6 with other vitamins including folic acid and vitamin B12 might help prevent the loss of vision caused by an eye disease called macular degeneration.
- Treating acne or other skin conditions
- Reducing symptoms of depression
- Treating a certain type of anemia
- Supports Healthy Homocysteine Metabolism (Helps promote healthy levels of homocysteine)
- Important for Nervous System Function and Supports Nervous System Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Aids in the Conversion of Food into Energy
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Brazier, Y. (2017, March 27). The benefits and food sources of vitamin B-6. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219662
[2] Streit, M. L. S. (2019, March 27). 9 Health Benefits of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b6-benefits
[3] Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (n.d.). National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/