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Vitamin
B 6
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| Vitamin B6, often called
pyridoxine, is one of the most essential and widely used vitamins in the
body. |
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It is needed for almost all
body functions, including proper growth, and the maintenance of almost
all body structures.
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It has an effect on both
physical and mental health.
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| How
Vitamin B6 can help |
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Helps assimilate
proteins and fats |
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Needed for healthy
blood and blood vessels |
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Aids in the
production of red blood cells and antibodies |
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Helps with symptoms
caused by PMS |
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May help prevent
coronary heart disease |
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May help prevent
oxalate kidney stones |
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May reduce the
symptoms of Carpal Tunnel syndrome |
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Acts as a mild
natural diuretic |
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Helps reduce night
muscle spasm, leg cramps and numbness of the hands |
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Symptoms of
deficiency may include
Skin eruptions, nervousness,
depression, irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, anemia, dizziness,
numbness, pins and needles, weakness, fatigue |
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Natural
sources
Eggs, meat, fish (especially
herring and salmon), chicken, spinach, carrots, peas, cabbage,
cantaloupe, wheat germ, brewers yeast, soy products, peanuts,
walnuts, sunflower seeds, brown rice. |
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| Important |
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It should be noted
that although vitamin B6 is found in almost all foods (the
foods listed above are some of those with the highest levels),
it appears that much of this B6 is not absorbed. In addition
B6 is easily lost in food processing. It is thought that as
much as 70% of the B6 found in food could be lost in this way. |
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Smoking lowers the
body’s B6 levels. |
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Oral contraceptives,
some prescription drugs and a high protein diet can increase
your bodies need for B6. |
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