Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for several functions.
Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must obtain it from foods or supplements.
Most people get enough vitamin B6 through their diet, but certain populations may be at risk for deficiency.
Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B6 is important for optimal health and may even prevent and treat chronic diseases.
Functions
Brain function
Vitamin B6 helps to create neurotransmitters, which are important chemical messengers in the brain. It also helps regulate energy use in the brain.
Nausea during pregnancy
Taking pyridoxine may help with mild symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, compared with a placebo.
Protection from air pollution
Vitamin B6 may help to protect people against the harmful effects of air pollution by reducing the impact of pollution on the epigenome.
sources of vitamin B6
Most foods have some vitamin B6. People with a well-balanced diet do not tend to develop a deficiency. Medical conditions and certain medications can lead to a deficiency.
- chickpeas
- beef liver
- potatoes
- banana
- nuts
- fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals
- Salmon
- rice
- onion
- watermelon
Daily requirements
Deficiency
Many deficiencies in vitamin B6 are associated with low levels of other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate.
Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption may eventually result in a B6 deficiency, as can hypothyroidism and diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency :
peripheral neuropathy with tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
anemia
- depression
- confusion
- a weakened immune system
- In rare cases, vitamin B6 deficiency may lead to a pellagra-like syndrome
- seborrheic dermatitis
- inflammation of the tongue, or glossitis
- inflammation and cracking of the lips.
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