Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Health Benefits

Health Benefits Of Vitamin B6

Although you only need a small amount of vitamin B6, and despite the fact that it is present in a wide variety of foods, it is quite common for people to get less that the recommended amount.

In this article we will have a look at some of the health benefits associated with vitamin B6.

What Does Vitamin B6 Do?

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine and is a member of the vitamin B complex.

It is needed by the body so that it can use proteins and amino acids that are obtained from food.

It plays a role in maintaining healthy brain function, healthy red blood cells and helps the body to excrete water to prevent fluid retention.

Vitamin B6 is also required for balancing hormone levels in the body, and as such can provide relief for PMS, mood swings, aggressive behaviour and depression.

How Much Vitamin B6 Do You Need?

The RDA for vitamin B6 is 1.3-2mg.

Where Do You Get Vitamin B6?

• Liver
• Poultry
• Oily Fish
• Bananas
• Peanuts

Who Needs Extra Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 cannot be stored by the body and is excreted daily.

People on a high protein diet, vegans, vegetarians, smokers, drinkers, women taking HRT pills and those on antibiotics or immunosuppressant’s may benefit from taking extra amounts of vitamin B6.

Signs Of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

• PMS
• Irritability
• Depression
• Sore Tongue
• Fatigue

Vitamin B6 Overdose

If you take too much vitamin B6 (more than 250mg) it can cause numbness in the hands and feeds and inflammation of nerves leading to neurological problems.