Also Known As: PLP, Pyridoxal-5’-Phosphate,
Pyridoxine
Vitamin B6: What does it do?
is the master vitamin for processing amino acids—the building blocks of all proteins
and some hormones. helps to make and take apart many amino acids and is also needed
to make the hormones, serotonin, melatonin,
and dopamine.
aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential
nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly mood.
In combination with folic acid and vitamin B12, vitamin B6 lowers homocysteine levels—an amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke, and possibly other diseases as well, such as
osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
A rare, but severe, form of childhood
epilepsy results from an inborn error in the metabolism of vitamin B6. Children with this
form of epilepsy have an abnormal dependence on vitamin B6 and are usually mentally retarded.
Seizure activity is reversible with intravenous injections of vitamin B6, which must be
administered by a doctor.1
In some,2 3 but not all,4 studies, vitamin B6 supplements
improved glucose tolerance in women with
diabetes caused by pregnancy.
Who is likely to be deficient of Vitamin B6?
deficiencies are thought to be very rare. deficiency can cause
impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental
confusion. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women
using oral contraceptives. Some doctors
believe that most diets do not provide optimal amounts of this vitamin. People with kidney
failure have an increased risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.5 has also been
reported to be deficient in some people with
chronic fatigue syndrome.6
How much Vitamin B6 is usually taken?
The most common supplemental intake is 10–25 mg per day. However, high amounts
(100–200 mg per day or even more) may be recommended for certain conditions.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Vitamin B6?
is usually safe, at intakes up to 200 mg per day in adults.7 However,
neurological side effects can sometimes occur at that level.8 Levels higher than
200 mg are more likely to cause such problems. toxicity can damage sensory nerves,
leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking. The National Academy
of Sciences performed an analysis of vitamin B6 studies. They determined the safe upper limit
for long-term use is 100 mg per day. However, under supervision of a healthcare professional,
up to 200 mg per day of vitamin B6 can be safely taken by most men and nonpregnant women for
limited periods of time. Pregnant and
breast-feeding women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 per day without a
doctor’s supervision.
Since vitamin B6 increases the bioavailability of magnesium, these nutrients are sometimes taken
together.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B6. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
SHOP For Vitamin B6 By Category
Like eVitamins? Become A Fan Today!
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more
about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more
about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
Click
here to view references
| 
Cart: 0 items 
Checkout
