Facts About Vitamins

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) - Pyridoxine deficiency symptoms, the best sources and recommended daily allowance

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine plays very important role in metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids and glucose and is required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. Every sixth person is suffering from pyridoxine deficiency which causes dermatological and neurological changes. Most people suffer from milder form of pyridoxine deficiency experiencing the following signs and symptoms: tiredness, depression, concentration difficulties, irritability, confusion, fissures in the corners of the mouth, sensation of numbness in hands and legs, muscle weakness, unexplained hair loss, circulatory disorders and weakened immune system

If left untreated pyridoxine deficiency can also cause series of serious health problems and diseases including anemia, peripheral neuropathy (neuritis) and pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy in newborns. Pyridoxine deficiency is also believed to be a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, akathisia (movement disorder), asthma, depression, kidney stones, lung cancer, premenstrual-syndrome, and pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Pyrodoxine promotes health of cardiovascular and nervous systems and muscles, regenerates damaged nerve cells, strengthens immune system, promotes hair growth, improves sight, prevents skin inflammations and anemia, functions as antioxidant slowing down the effects of aging and regulates blood sugar levels.

The best sources of pyridoxine are meat, liver, cereal grains, nuts, sprouts, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, flour and potatoes. The daily recommended allowance of pyridoxine for adults is 1,5 to 2 milligrams. Additional doses are required in pregnancy and breast-feeding as well as by people suffering from certain medical conditions and by those taking certain medications such as oral contraception.