Description:
Pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than any other
single nutrient. Vitamin B-6 affects both physical and mental health.
It is useful for conditions like edema, stomach acid production,
maintaining mineral balance, and promotes red blood cell formation.
Most cases of anemia are better treated with B-6 than with any other
nutrient. One reason for this is that B-6 promotes the absorption
of B-12, and B-12 is important for reversing anemia. A deficiency
of vitamin B-6 may cause the development of convulsions, anemia,
nausea, flaky skin, a sore tongue, acne, arthritis, cracks or sores
on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperirritability,
slow wound healing, learning difficulties, poor memory, oily facial
skin, stunted growth, and tingling sensations.
Complimentary Nutrients:
B complex, B1, B2, pantothenic acid, C, magnesium, potassium, linoleic
acid, sodium.
Antagonists:
Antidepressants, estrogen therapy, and oral contraceptives may
increase the need for vitamin B-6. Diuretics and cortisone drugs
block the absorption of this vitamin. Also antagonistic are tobacco,
coffee, alcohol, and exposure to radiation.
Health Benefits:
Digestion with hydrochloric acid production, nerves, skin, blood,
DNA and RNA synthesis, muscles, antibody formation, fat and protein
utilization which helps weight control, hemoglobin production, tryptophan
conversion, magnesium and linoleic acid function, and maintains
sodium/potassium balance helpful for nerves..
Therapeutic Uses:
Crystitis, eczema, atherosclerosis, muscular disorders, breath
holding in children, nervous disorders, high cholesterol, stress,
post operative nausea, facial oiliness, hypoglycemia, mental retardation,
nausea in pregnancy, pancreatitis, rheumatic and arthritic conditions,
and sexual disorders.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Convulsions in babies, acne, dizziness, arthritis, irritability,
depression, hair loss, learning disabilities, anemia, and weakness.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 2.2 (males), 2.0 (females) |
50 mg |
100-400 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Foods containing the highest amounts of B-6 are: carrots, eggs,
chicken, fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and
wheat germ. Other sources are: avocado, bananas, beans, broccoli,
raisins, prunes, brown rice, brewer's yeast, cabbage, cauliflower,
corn, potatoes, soybeans, tempeh, blackstrap molasses, desiccated
liver, green leafy vegetables, organ meats, peanuts, and whole grains.
Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MG |
| trout |
1/2 lb. |
1 1/2 |
| blueberries |
1 cup |
1 |
