Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of 8 B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is abundant in meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Pyridoxine is required for the proper function of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body. It is also required for the proper growth and development of the brain, nerves, skin, and many other parts of the body. It is needed for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood, and melatonin, which helps regulate the body clock.
Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of over 100 different enzymes the body uses to metabolize proteins. It improves the immune system and helps to alleviate symptoms of depression. In addition, it helps the body convert the amino acid known as tryptophan into niacin, another B vitamin.
It is rare to have a significant deficiency of B6, although studies indicate many people may be mildly deficient, especially children and the elderly. Certain medications can also cause low levels of B6 in the body. Symptoms of serious deficiency include muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss.
Vitamin B6 helps the body to:
Make antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases
Maintain normal nerve function
Make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells to the tissues. A vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a form of anemia
Break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need
Keep blood sugar (glucose) in normal ranges
All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.
All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.
Along with vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid), B6 helps control levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that may be associated with heart disease. Your body needs B6 in order to absorb vitamin B12 and to make red blood cells and cells of the immune system.
Vitamin B6 is used for preventing and treating low levels of pyridoxine (pyridoxine deficiency) and the "tired blood" (anemia) that may result. It is also used for heart disease; high cholesterol; reducing blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical that might be linked to heart disease; and helping clogged arteries stay open after a balloon procedure to unblock them (angioplasty).
Women use vitamin B6 for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstruation problems, "morning sickness" (nausea and vomiting) in early pregnancy, stopping milk flow after childbirth, depression related to pregnancy, and symptoms of menopause
Vitamin B6 is also used for Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, autism, diabetes and related nerve pain, sickle cell anemia, migraine headaches, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, night leg cramps, muscle cramps, arthritis, allergies, acne and various other skin conditions, and infertility. It is also used for dizziness, motion sickness, preventing the eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), seizures, convulsions due to fever, and movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia, hyperkinesis, chorea), as well as for increasing appetite and helping people remember dreams.
Some people use vitamin B6 for boosting the immune system, eye infections, bladder infections, and preventing cancer and kidney stones.
Vitamin B6 is also used to overcome certain harmful side effects related to radiation treatment and treatment with medications such as mitomycin, procarbazine, cycloserine, fluorouracil, hydrazine, isoniazid, penicillamine, and vincristine.
Vitamin B6 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex products.
You may remember a prescription medication called Bendectin that was used for morning sickness in pregnancy. Bendectin contained pyridoxine and a sleep-inducing antihistamine called doxylamine. The makers of Bendectin took it off the market in 1983 because they were running up expensive legal bills in defense of their product. Opponents charged it might be responsible for birth defects. Meanwhile, a product called Diclectin that is similar to Bendectin remained available in Canada, and there was research showing that neither pyridoxine nor Bendectin seems to cause birth defects in animals. After Bendectin was removed from the market, there was no reduction in birth defects, but hospitalization rates for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting doubled.
Because of its key role in the formation of new cells, vitamin B6 is especially important for healthy function of body tissue that regenerates itself quickly. The skin is exactly this type of tissue, and it is one of the first to show problems when B6 is deficient. Many skin disorders have been associated with B6 deficiency, and they include eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Isolated vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon; inadequate vitamin B6 status is usually associated with low concentrations of other B-complex vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vitamin B6 deficiency causes biochemical changes that become more obvious as the deficiency progresses.
The key role of vitamin B6 in the nervous system also results in many nerve-related symptoms when B6 is deficient. These symptoms can include convulsions and seizures in the case of severe deficiency. The critical role of vitamin B6 in the formation of red blood cells means that B6 deficiency can also result in symptoms of anemia, malaise, and fatigue. When anemia is exclusively related to B6 deficiency, it is usually classified as hypochromic, microcytic (pernicious) anemia.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with microcytic anemia, electroencephalographic abnormalities, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth) and glossitis (swollen tongue), depression and confusion, and weakened immune function. Individuals with borderline vitamin B6 concentrations or mild deficiency might have no deficiency signs or symptoms for months or even years. In infants, vitamin B6 deficiency causes irritability, abnormally acute hearing, and convulsive seizures.
End-stage renal diseases, chronic renal insufficiency, and other kidney diseases can cause vitamin B6 deficiency. In addition, vitamin B6 deficiency can result from malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Certain genetic diseases, such as homocystinuria, can also cause vitamin B6 deficiency. Some medications, such as antiepileptic drugs, can lead to deficiency over time.
While most people do not have trouble getting enough vitamin B6 through a well-balanced diet, the following groups of people seem to have a higher risk for a vitamin B6 deficiency:
People with alcoholism
Older adults
People taking the following medications:
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Isoniazid
Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Theophylline (Uniphyl, Theocron, TheoCap, Theo-24, Elixophyllin).
Other B6 deficiency signs include:
Impaired Nerves
Eczema
Convulsions (usually in children)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pregnant Woman have worse cases of morning sickness
Higher rates of stillborn births in mothers who were severely deficient of B6
Arthritis
Irritable
Depression
As you might guess, taking vitamin B6 and eating vitamin B6 rich food are very effective for treating vitamin B6 deficiencies. It is also effective for preventing vitamin B6 deficiency in people at high risk for such problems. However, it is not a good idea to self-diagnose and/or self-treat a possible vitamin B6 deficiency. The symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency can also be caused by other, unrelated problems. Also, your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitor your progress.
Excellent sources of vitamin B6 include bell peppers, summer squash, turnip greens, shiitake mushrooms, and spinach.
Other high protein foods are good sources of pyridoxine, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and milk and dairy products. Whole grains, especially oatmeal, are also good sources. Breakfast cereals, rice, bread and many baked goods are fortified with vitamin B6. Fruits and vegetables don't have much vitamin B6, but avocados, bananas, mangos, and potatoes contain this vitamin. It is also found in the herbs alfalfa, catnip, and oat straw.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is clearly beneficial for treating vitamin B6 deficiency and problems related to a deficiency. It is also claimed to provide several other health benefits, such as:
Treating the following conditions:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy)
Depression, especially depression associated with pregnancy
Homocystinuria (a rare genetic condition)
Arthritis
Allergies
Asthma
High levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia)
Alzheimer's disease
Muscle cramps
Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
"Pink eye" (conjunctivitis)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Infantile spasms (seizures), especially in children with Down syndrome
Absence seizures (petit mal seizures)
Certain types of anemia
Acne
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Radiation sickness
Dizziness and/or motion sickness
Infertility in women (specifically, treating a luteal phase defect)
Menopause symptoms
Diabetes
Lyme disease
Preventing and treating side effects of isoniazid or penicillamine
Enhancing immune system functioning
Preventing migraines
Preventing cancer
Helping to reduce water retention (for a diuretic effect)
Preventing kidney stones
Enhancing dream recollection.
It isn't clear how vitamin B6 might affect heart disease. People who don't get enough B6 in their diet have a higher risk of heart disease. And B6 plays a role in lowering levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine appear to be associated with heart disease, but scientists don't know exactly what the relationship is. They also do not know whether lowering levels of homocysteine will reduce risk of heart disease. Until more is known, the best action is to get enough B6 through food, and to take supplements if your doctor recommends them.
One large study found that women who took 500 mg of vitamin B6 daily along with 1,000 mcg of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) and 2,500 mcg of folic acid reduced their risk of developing AMD, an eye disease that can cause loss of vision.
Vitamin B6 helps your body make serotonin, a chemical that influences mood. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, and some antidepressant medications work by raising levels of serotonin. Some researchers think that vitamin B6 might help reduce symptoms of depression.
There is some evidence that taking pyridoxine orally may improve symptoms of PMS such as mastalgia (breast pain or tenderness) and PMS-related depression or anxiety in some patients. Some people who believe B6 is effective for PMS say it may take up to 3 months to see a noticeable change.
Some prescription drugs called neuroleptics, which are used in certain psychiatric conditions, may cause movement disorders as an unwanted side effect. Vitamin B6 has been studied for the treatment of acute neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA) in schizophrenic and schizoaffective disorder patients. Preliminary results indicate that high doses of vitamin B6 may be useful additions to the available treatments for NIA, perhaps due to its combined effects on various neurotransmitter systems.
Some early studies suggested that B6 might help reduce inflammation and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Low levels of vitamin B6 have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies also suggest that people with RA may need more vitamin B6 than healthy people because chronic inflammation may lower B6 levels. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking a multivitamin is a good idea for anyone who has a chronic illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your doctor before taking B6 supplements.
A few small studies have found that vitamin B6 may improve symptoms of tardive dyskinesia compared to placebo. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of some antipsychotic drugs that are taken for a long while, and involves involuntary movement of muscles, such as in the tongue, lips, face and jaw, arms, legs, fingers or toes.
The main role of vitamin B6 in the body is to work as a coenzyme in numerous different chemical reactions. This means that vitamin B6 helps enzymes to work properly. It is important for a wide variety of different chemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Vitamin B6 is important for the formation of hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. This is why low vitamin B6 can lead to anemia.
Low vitamin B6 can increase levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause problems if it builds up to high levels. In particular, it is thought that high homocysteine may contribute to problems such as cardiovascular disease or blood clots. Vitamin B6 decreases homocysteine levels after meals (but does not really affect fasting homocysteine levels). Low levels of vitamin B6 may also increase levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory molecule that may be related to heart disease and several other medical conditions.
Vitamin B6 may also have antioxidant properties. It may also decrease kidney stone formation by decreasing the amount of oxalate (a component of some types of kidney stones) excreted in the urine. It is also thought that vitamin B6 may increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is why some people think it may be useful for treating depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin. Although people tend to think of water-soluble vitamins as being non-toxic, vitamin B6 can actually cause significant toxicity. Although vitamin B6 side effects may sometimes be seen even with normal doses, toxicity usually occurs with high doses.
Vitamin B6 has been reported to cause various side effects, including (but not limited to):
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Headaches
Tingling, numbness, or other unusual sensations in the hands or feet
Sensitivity to sunlight
Loss of appetite
Difficulty coordinating movement
Sensory changes
There have been rare reports of allergic skin reactions to high doses of vitamin B6 supplements.
Very high doses -- 200 mg or more per day -- of vitamin B6 can cause neurological disorders, such as loss of feeling in the legs and imbalance. Stopping high doses usually leads to a complete recovery within 6 months.
The classic sign of vitamin B6 toxicity is peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems in the hands and feet). This can cause unusual and unexplained sensations, such as numbness, tingling "pins and needles" feelings, pricking, or burning. These sensations may sometimes affect the area around the mouth as well. If left untreated, the nerve damage can cause difficulty sensing vibrations and sensing the position of the limbs. As you might imagine, this can cause significant coordination problems.
The nerve problems due to vitamin B6 toxicity are often reversible once the vitamin is stopped. However, very high doses (especially if taken chronically) can cause permanent damage.
Vitamin B6 is SAFE for most people. In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, tingling, sleepiness, and other side effects.
Long-term use of high doses is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It might cause certain brain and nerve problems.
Vitamin B6 is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant women when taken under the supervision of their healthcare provider. It is sometimes used in pregnancy to control morning sickness. High doses are UNSAFE. High doses can cause newborns to have seizures.
Vitamin B6 is LIKELY SAFE for breast-feeding women when used in amounts not larger than 2 mg per day (the recommended dietary allowance). Avoid using higher amounts. Not enough is known about the safety of vitamin B6 at higher doses in breast-feeding women.
Vitamin B6 is SAFE for children when taken in reasonable doses. Since children can be more susceptible to the possible toxicities of drugs and supplements, do not give your child vitamin B6 supplements in excess of the recommended dosage without the approval and supervision of your child's healthcare provider.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For vitamin B6 deficiency in adults: the typical dose is 2.5-25 mg daily for three weeks, then 1.5-2.5 mg per day as maintenance treatment.
For symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): the daily dose is 50-100 mg. Doses as high as 500 mg per day have been used, but daily doses over 100 mg don't appear to have additional benefit, and may increase the risk for harmful side effects.
For hereditary sideroblastic anemia: initially 200-600 mg per day is used, decreasing to 30-50 mg daily after improvement.
For kidney stones: 25-500 mg daily has been used.
For treating tardive dyskinesia: 100 mg per day has been increased weekly up to 400 mg per day, given in two divided doses.
For preventing macular degeneration: 50 mg daily in combination with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 1000 mcg, and folic acid 2500 mcg.
For nausea during pregnancy: 10-25 mg pyridoxine three or four times daily has been used; alternatively, 75 mg of sustained-release pyridoxine combined with 12 mcg vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), 1 mg folic acid, and 200 mg calcium (PremesisRx) is used daily as an FDA-approved prescription product for nausea during pregnancy.
The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin B6 are: Infants 0-6 months, 0.1 mg; Infants 7-12 months, 0.3 mg; Children 1-3 years, 0.5 mg; Children 4-8 years, 0.6 mg; Children 9-13 years, 1 mg; Males 14-50 years, 1.3 mg; Males over 50 years, 1.7 mg; Females 14-18 years, 1.2 mg; Females 19-50 years, 1.3 mg; Females over 50 years, 1.5 mg; Pregnant women, 1.9 mg; and breast-feeding women, 2 mg. Some researchers think the RDA for women 19-50 years should be increased to 1.5-1.7 mg per day. The recommended maximum daily intake is: Children 1-3 years, 30 mg; Children 4-8 years, 40 mg; Children 9-13 years, 60 mg; Adults, pregnant and breast-feeding women, 14-18 years, 80 mg; and Adults, pregnant and breast-feeding women, over 18 years, 100 mg.
Larger doses have been used in some studies, but you should not take doses above 100 mg per day without a health care provider's supervision. Large doses of B6 may cause nerve damage.
The following reviews have been selected:
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Cured my B6 deficiency., November 03, 2009
By
From Georgia
My blood test results came back showing B6 deficiency. My doctor recommended this product specifically. After 1 month of taking it I noticed my fatigue is gone and my energy levels have risen. This has been the most dramatic effect from a single supplement. It is a well formulated product, although I wish it had only PAK in it since my doctor explained to me that pyridoxal alphaketoglutarate is the active ingredient in this product which is improving my energy levels. Thanks to my MD for recommending this one!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard-to-find dose of B6, June 29, 2011
By
Poison Wood
If you've ever had morning sickness, you know a very common recommendation from doctors is 25 mg of B6, 3 times a day. Taking more than that can result in some nasty side effects, such as tingly hands and feet. However, I couldn't find doses smaller than 100 mg in my grocery store. Taking the vitamins three times a day helps meter out the effects.
First, if you're suffering from morning sickness, I don't know of any other non-prescription option as effective as B6. All the other options will help you deal with the nausea, but none that I'm aware of have a significant effect in terms of actually reducing the nausea you feel. If you're suffering, definitely try B6. It's helped me a lot.
Second, this is the dosage I was looking for. The vitamins came promptly in a sturdy glass bottle and seem to be working!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Other, June 17, 2010
By
Female (Caregiver)
I give B6 to my daughter who has a seizure disorder. She takes Keppra and B6 helps to balance out her mood. We've noticed a significant drop in aggression and anxiety. We also notice aggression increase if she misses a couple of days with the B6. My only concern is that she seems to sleep less when she is taking the B6. Would love to hear if anyone else is experiencing the same.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Neuropathy, June 12, 2010
By
Wzgryhnd
I starting taking 200mg of B-6 on advice of my Internist for muscle pain (spasms) and nerve pain of unknown origin. I was advised to take for 4 weeks then see my doctor again for follow up visit. I told my doctor that I didn't really notice difference at the time. My doctor said STOP taking for 2 weeks then START AGAIN. Keep journal of symptons, side affects etc. I went home that day, stopped for 2wks and by END OF ONE WEEK I notice BIG difference. PAIN returned and I just hadn't noticed how much pain I was in before-I had gotten used to 2yrs of pain/spasms and just "dealt with it". I REPEATED 4wks ON and 2wks OFF and it was a VERY NOTICABLE DIFFERENCE this time. I have been on B-6, 200mg DAILY for 2 YEARS now and it WORKS FOR ME and my "NERVE" PAIN and MUSCLE SPASMS. I DON'T GO A DAY WITHOUT IT. My doctor continues to MONITOR my use of it and he has patients it HAS AND HAS NOT worked for. SAFE TO TRY. Dosage SEEMS to be KEY FACTOR in success for PAIN TREATMENT I would say.BOTTOM LINE: I AM VERY HAPPY AND HAVE LESS PAIN BY 85-90% continually.PS MY HAIR IS GROWING 2INCHES EVERY 6 WEEKS....WAS losing it before (due to menopause/hormones out of whack)...great SIDE EFFECT: HAIR GROWTH !!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), June 10, 2010
By
rewind
My docter recommended I take 200mg daily for severe PMS symptoms, primarily major mood swings and depression. The only noticable sid effect is a metallic taste and smell, which at times is pretty strong. I have noticed an increase in energy not but not to the point of having that "can't sit still" feeling.
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