Vitamin B6 - an essential vitamin

Thursday 22nd April 2010 9:54am

study Vitamin B6 - an essential vitaminVitamin B6 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats (lipids), as well as for normal nerve function and for the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms of which Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is the main form found in vitamins and supplements.

It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6

Is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism.
Is essential for red blood cell metabolism.
Is needed for the nervous and immune systems function efficiently.
Is needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin).
Helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by haemoglobin.
Helps maintain your blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range.

Whilst Vitamin B6 has been suggested for treatment of a number of conditions there is only solid evidence for:

Morning sickness
Mild to moderate PMS
Elevated Homocysteine levels

Whilst B6 is available in a wide variety of foods it is often at sub optimal levels and supplementation may be appropriate.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

B6 is beneficial in treating the symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) including breast tenderness and mood changes. (Wyatt, Dimmock & O’Brien 1999)

Morning Sickness

Women with severe pregnancy sickness have been found to have low levels of vitamin B6. A B6 supplement can be an effective treatment for reducing the severity of morning sickness. (Jewell & Young 2002)

Heart Disease

Whilst B6 will help protect you against coronary heart disease a deficiency of vitamin B6, folic acid, or vitamin B12 may increase your level of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in your blood. An elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Dosage:

Morning sickness - 30 to 75mg per day
PMS - 100 to 500mg per day
Elevated homocysteine levels - 100mg per day

Please note that pyridoxine hydrochloride may be dangerous when used in large amounts or for a long time and may interact with amiodarone, phenobarbital and phenytoin. Consult your doctor if you are taking these medications.

This information is not intended as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult a properly qualified health care practitioner.