Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): What It Is Used For And Recommended Dosage

Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is a micronutrient that plays several roles in the body, because it acts in various metabolic reactions, mainly in the metabolism of amino acids and enzymes, which are proteins that help regulate chemical processes in the body. In addition to this, it also regulates reactions in both the development and functioning of the nervous system, protecting neurons and producing neurotransmitters, important substances that transmit information between neurons. 

This vitamin is present in most foods and is also synthesized by the bacterial flora of the intestine, its main sources being bananas, fish such as salmon, chicken, shrimp and hazelnuts, for example. However, it is also found in supplement form, and can be indicated by the doctor or nutritionist in case of a deficiency of this vitamin. See a list of foods rich in this vitamin.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): what it is used for and recommended dosage

Vitamin B6 is important for health, because it fulfills several functions in the body, which include:

1. Participate in the production of energy

Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in various metabolic reactions in the body participating in the production of energy by acting in the metabolism of amino acids, fats and proteins. In addition to this, it also participates in the production of neurotransmitters, substances that are important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. 

2. It could help prevent PMS symptoms

Some studies indicate that vitamin B6 intake could reduce the occurrence and severity of PMS symptoms such as changes in temperament, irritability, lack of concentration and anxiety, for example.

PMS could develop due to the interaction of hormones produced by the ovaries with brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA. B vitamins, including vitamin B6, are involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, being a coenzyme that acts in the production of serotonin. However, more studies are needed to understand in more detail what would be the possible benefits of consuming this vitamin in PMS.

3. It could prevent heart disease

Some studies indicate that the intake of certain B vitamins, including B6, could decrease the risk of heart disease, because they decrease inflammation, homocysteine levels and inhibit the production of free radicals. In addition to this, other studies indicate that a pyridoxine deficiency could cause hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition that can cause damage to artery walls. Vitamin B6 acts as an enzymatic cofactor in the breakdown of homocysteine in the body, a substance that when elevated in the blood can cause cardiovascular problems.

However, more studies are needed to test this association between vitamin B6 and cardiovascular risk, because the results have been inconsistent. 

4. Improve the immune system

Vitamin B6 has been implicated in the regulation of immune system response associated with a wide range of diseases, including inflammation and several types of cancer, because it may mediate immune system signaling, increasing the body’s defenses. 

5. Improve nausea and dizziness during pregnancy

Vitamin B6 intake during pregnancy could help improve nausea, morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy. For this reason, women should preferably include foods rich in this vitamin and only take a supplement if recommended by a doctor.

6. It could prevent depression

Because vitamin B6 is related to the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, some studies indicate that the intake of this vitamin decreases the risk of depression and anxiety. In addition to this, other studies also link B-complex vitamin deficiency with elevated levels of homocysteine, a substance that could increase the risk of depression and dementia.

7. It could alleviate rheumatoid arthritis

The intake of vitamin B6 could help to decrease inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, thus alleviating the symptoms, because it acts as a mediator of the body’s inflammatory response.  

Recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B6

The recommended amount of pyridoxine varies according to age and gender, as shown in the table below:

A healthy dietbIt provides adequate amounts of this vitamin to maintain the proper functioning of the body. Its supplementation is only recommended in cases where a deficiency of this vitamin is diagnosed, and should be used under the indications of the physician or nutritionist.

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