Vitamin B6
What is Vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is necessary for the processing of amino acids. It is also needed to make dopamine, Melatonin, and serotonin. It aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters, and is essential to the regulation of mental processes and mood.
While severe Vitamin B6 deficiencies are rare, they can cause such problems as impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. Marginal deficiencies are sometimes found in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives.
- Vitamin B6 increases the absorption of magnesium.
- Coenzyme Q10, when used with Iron and Vitamin B6, it has been shown to help prevent the progression of Alzheimer's for up to two and one half years.
When taken as a group, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 have been shown to help lower HCL cholesterol levels. Higher levels of these three nutrients are often seen in patients with low levels of HCL. In some cases, the addition of a daily dose of betaine is needed before HCL levels reduce. Different amounts of each nutrient have been used in various studies; it is probably best to consult with a physician about the proper dosage. Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and Pantothenic Acid appear to be of great use to athletes in reaching their full potential.
Vitamin B6 deficiency has been seen in many ADHD patients. While not always effective alone, B6 taken in conjunction with Ritalin (a commonly used prescription medication for the treatment of ADHD) has often been shown effective. Care should be taken, however, as high levels of B6 can be toxic.
While herbs and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties may help ease the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, only Vitamin B6 has been shown to specifically work with CTS symptoms. Many patients with CTS have shown signs of B6 deficiency. 100mg of B6 taken three times daily has been shown to offer great relief of pain and other symptoms.
Other studies suggest that lower dosages are also effective. If a lower dose is effective, this is probably the best approach, as high levels of B6 supplementation can cause nerve damage. In most people, supplementation of up to 500 mg of Vitamin B6 daily is safe, but it is best to check with a health professional before taking high dosage supplements of this vitamin for an extended period of time.
The full class of B vitamins (including B6, B12, and Folic Acid) are often deficient in patients with depression. Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, deplete these nutrients in the body, making mood swings more common. Supplementation with Vitamin B6 is extremely helpful in the treatment of depression associated with oral contraceptives or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
- Many diabetics, especially those with nerve damage, have low blood levels of Vitamin B6. B6 supplements appear especially effective in treatment of gestational diabetes.
- Vitamin B6 is an effective anti-inflammatory and pain relief agent that may be helpful in the treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Condition.
- Vitamin B6, like Magnesium, is used to convert oxalate, and may be helpful in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Several B vitamins – Folic Acid, B6, and B12 – reduce blood levels of homocystene. Since high homocystene levels appear to contribute to osteoporosis, taking these B vitamins may be an effective preventative measure.
- Vitamin B6 taken daily can help relieve the symptoms of PMS. This is due to B6's effectiveness in treating depression and as an anti-inflammatory.
- Vitamin B6 may prevent the onset of retinopathy.
Natural sources for Vitamin B6:
Bananas, Lentils, Liver, Potatoes, Raisin Bran, Tuna, Turkey.
Vitamin B6 is useful in treating:
Alzheimer's Disease, asthma, atherosclerosis, Athletics and Sports, ADHD, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, depression, diabetes, Fibrocystic Breast Condition, high cholesterol, kidney stones, osteoporosis, pregnancy and post-partum, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, retinopathy.
Recommended dosage for Vitamin B6:
200mg daily.
Important Vitamin B6 Note:
Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg daily. Long-term high dose supplementation may cause nerve and sensory damage.
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