Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Found in brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, liver and other organ meats, blackstrap molasses, bananas, walnuts, roasted peanuts, canned tuna and salmon. Breakfast cereals are often fortified with Vitamin B6. Vegetarians and vegans, women taking the combined contraceptive pill, people aged 55 and above, and heavy drinkers may all benefit from taking supplementary vitamin B6.

B6 metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; it forms hormones for adrenaline and insulin, and is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. It is also required for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells and antibodies that help fight infection. Vitamin B6 is used in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, and is needed for the production of hydrochloric acid. It also helps to regulate body fluids. Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 helps to lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoporosis. Vitamin B6 can help to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome and symptoms of PMS, when used alongside magnesium it can help to prevent kidney stones. Some research has suggested that vitamin B6 may be useful in alleviating the symptoms of asthma, however this remains inconclusive.

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include: greasy, scaly dermatitis between the eyebrows and on body parts that rub together; low blood sugar; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; neuritis; arthritis; trembling hands in the aged; water retention and swelling during pregnancy; nausea; motion sickness; mental retardation; epilepsy; kidney stones; anemia; excessive fatigue; nervous breakdown; mental illness; acne; convulsions. Babies and newborn infants may develop crusty yellow scabs on the scalp called "cradle cap." Government surveys suggest that as many as one-third of US adults suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency.

50-100mg combined with a B-complex supplement. RDA is 2mg.

Doses of up to 100mg per day on a long-term basis are safe, although no adverse effects have been seen with doses of up to 200mg. Doses in excess of 200mg may cause nerve damage in the long-term.

No side effects are associated with recommended dosages of vitamin B6. People taking anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy and levodopa (L-dopa) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease may wish to consult their doctor before taking supplementary vitamin B6 as it may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

SOLUBILITY: Water soluble