Vitamin B6 (pyridoxin)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a common name for three compounds (pyridoxol - pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine) from an organic aromatic compound, pyridine. These compounds are included in the group of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B6 improves the overall immunity and has a major effect on the nervous system.

Where vitamin B6 is found

• A rich source of vitamin B6 is pork and poultry, mackerel, eggs, yeast, bananas, potatoes, cabbage, spinach, cabbage, avocados, carrots, nuts, cereals, wholemeal bread and other healthy foods.
• The amount of pyridoxine decreases if the food boils.

A deficiency of vitamin B6 always means an overall decrease in B vitamins. It is manifested mainly by irritability, general weakness, twitching of the eyelids, inflammation of the skin or oral cavity occurs.

Vitamin B6 dosage

The recommended daily dose of vitamin B6 should be in the range of 1.7 to about 2 mg and in children between 1 and 1.4 mg. In pregnant women, the required dose is then increased to 2.2 mg.

Benefits of Vitamin B6

• Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
• Contributes to normal mental activity
• Contributes to reduction of fatigue and exhaustion
• Contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity
• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism
• Contributes to the normal production of red blood cells
• Contributes to normal cysteine synthesis
• Contributes to the normal metabolism of homocysteine
• Contributes to normal energy metabolism

What to know about vitamin B6

The effects of Vitamin B6 and other drugs may interact. These are mainly medicaments used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, against tuberculosis, as well as contraceptive pills, some antibiotics and medicaments that suppress the immune system.