Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is an essential factor in the creation of several of the human body's most important enzymes. Bellow, are a few of the most basic questions about vitamin B-6 and their answers. If you think that you might need B-6 supplements you may find them helpful. However, before taking supplements such as vitamin B-6, it is also a good idea to speak with a doctor. This is especially important if you plan on taking large amounts of this vitamin. While small amounts may be helpful in treating some illnesses, most doctors will not recommend taking more than 100mg daily of vitamin B-6.
Why do human's need vitamin B-6?
Vitamin B-6 exists in three distinct forms called pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, which together are essential to over 100 of the most important human enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that our body uses to convert the food that we eat into energy. Without them, we would be absolutely unable to survive. And since Vitamin B-6 is implicated in the creation of many of these enzymes, it becomes obvious that it is an essential part of the human body.
In addition, vitamin B-6 is also necessary for the creation of red blood cells, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and immune system regulation. Especially in the later case, vitamin B-6 takes on an important role. Immune system organs known as lymphoid organs (such as the spleen and lymph nodes) use B-6 as an essential part of their production of white blood cells. White blood cells in turn are used by the body to fight several different diseases.
And finally, vitamin B-6 also helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels. It does this by helping to convert stored carbohydrates into glucose. Having a lower than average amount of vitamin B-6 in the body may prevent it from performing this function.
Where does vitamin B-6 come from?
Vitamin B-6 is readily available in an extremely large variety of foods. There are natural sources of vitamin B-6 in almost every food group. A few foods that are especially high in vitamin B-6 include: bananas, potatoes, oatmeal, chicken, and garbonzo beans. Many fortified breakfast cereals also contain very high levels of vitamin B-6. In some cases this may be up to 100% of the daily recommended amount.
Vitamin B-6 can also be attained through a daily supplement or multi-vitamin. By taking such a supplement you will be able to easily make sure that you get a sufficient amount of B-6 every day. However, make sure that you do not take more than the recommended limit of 100mg per day.
How do I know if I have a vitamin B-6 deficiency?
Vitamin B-6 deficiencies are extremely rare in the United States and usually only occur in the elderly, and generally in a mild form. Generally speaking, a vitamin B-6 deficiency is the result of carrying on a poor diet for an extended period of time, although it may also result from excessive alcoholism. If the deficiency continues for a long enough period of time, a wide rang of symptoms may arise. These may include, skin inflammation, depression, or anemia. However, any of these symptoms could also arise from any number of other causes. Therefore, to accurately determine whether or not you have a vitamin B-6 deficiency you should speak with a medical professional. If they determine that your symptoms point to a vitamin B-6 deficiency, they may suggest taking a vitamin B-6 supplement.
Does vitamin B-6 have any side affects?
When it comes to vitamin B-6, there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing." Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin B-6 can result in nerve damage in the legs or arms. Because of this, many medical professionals warn against taking supplements containing any more than 100mg per day of vitamin B-6. This is about fifty times the amount that is contained in the average fully enriched breakfast cereal.
You should only take supplements exceeding this amount if told expressly by a doctor to do so, as the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has placed the upper tolerable limit for daily human consumption at 100mg per day.
How much do vitamin B-6 supplements cost?
Vitamin B-6 tablets are extremely affordable and often run as low as three or four dollars for a bottle of one hundred tablets. However, be careful to take note of the amount in milligrams that each pill contains before purchasing. Pills are usually sold in 50mg, 100mg, or 200mg tablets. 100mg tablets tend to have the best value, in grams per bottle, and are within the maximum safety limit.
If you are unsure about whether or not you need or will benefit from a vitamin B-6 or vitamin B12 dietary supplement, you may want to speak with a doctor in order to accurately assess the situation. This way you will be granted a greater understanding of your symptoms and whether or not they arise from a vitamin B-6 deficiency.
