Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three forms; pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Pyridoxine is the form most used in vitamin supplements. Vitamin B6 is important in the synthesis of heme a component of hemoglobin.  Hemoglobin is the oxygen transporting chemical inside red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid that carry electrical signals in between nerves). Adequate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain are important for good mood and mental capacity. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the chemical conversion of homocysteine to cysteine.

Severe deficiency of vitamin B-6 is uncommon. Alcoholics and patients with severe diarrhea syndromes such as IBS may be at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. Symptoms of severe vitamin B6 deficiency include depression, nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), sores of the mouth, and scaliness around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Seizures and severe anemia are signs of advanced B6 deficiency.

Where does vitamin B6 come from?

Vitamin B6 is found in an extremely large variety of foods. Vitamin B-6 can be found in almost every natural food group. A few foods that are especially high in vitamin B6 include, bananas, potatoes, oatmeal, chicken, and garbonzo beans. Many fortified breakfast cereals also contain very high levels of vitamin B6 more so than natural sources. In some cases this may be up to 100% of the daily recommended amount.

B vitamins can also be attained through a daily supplement or multi-vitamin supplements. By taking such a supplement you will be able to easily make sure that you get a sufficient amount of B6 every day. However, make sure that you do not take more than the recommended limit of 100mg per day.

This vitamin plays a significant role in helping make amino acids that build body cells, including muscles. Vitamin B6 also helps produce red blood cells, infection fighting antibodies and insulin (a hormone that uses glucose, synthesizes protein and stores fat).

Safety in infants has not been determined due to lack of data on adverse effects in this age group and concern about inability to handle excess amounts. Source should be from food only to prevent high levels of intake.

In conclusion, vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system. Anti-bodies fight many disease. Vitamin B6 is required for the chemical reactions needed to digest protein, the higher the protein intake the more one needs B6.Vitamin B-6 is safe when taken in its recommended dosages and can be purchased at your local or internet nutrition store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamin B-6 is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

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