Vitamin B6

October 7th, 2005

Vitamin B6 is critical for a wide variety of body function benefits and over a hundred health conditions. It keeps our immune systems strong and helps to balance hormones and enzyme functions.

Vitamin B6, as well as other B vitamins, is involved I the production of body proteins and neurotransmitters, which effects brain function.

Severe deficiency of Vitamin B6 is very rare. Low levels can indicate health problems. The incidence of these problems has increased since the mid 1960’s, because food and medicines contain more Vitamin B6 inhibitors.

A Vitamin B6 supplement is highly recommended for women who suffer from PMS. A dosage of 150 mgs daily decreases PMS symptoms, including depression, social withdrawal, nausea, dizziness and forgetfulness.

Vitamin B6 supplements can reduce severity and frequency of asthma attacks, by increasing tryptophane metabolism and serotonin transport.

To reduce the risks of heart attacks, take Vitamin B6, folic acid and Vitamin B12 supplements. These supplements also help to control diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels.

Sources of Vitamin B6

Foods that provide a natural source of Vitamin B6, include: carrots, hazelnuts, whole wheat flour, bran, bananas, brewer’s yeast, avocados, salmon, tuna, shrimp, rice, wheat germ, soybeans, sunflowers seeds and lentils.

Benefits of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, has been used successfully in the treatment of PMS, asthma, anemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, morning sickness in pregnancy, kidney stones, arthritis, high cholesterol, stress and other common ailments.

by Mary M. Alward

17 Responses to “Vitamin B6”

  1. Doris Says:

    Hi, I recently heard on the Dr. Shapiro t.v. show that either Niacin or Vitamin B6 - I couldn’t hear the name can cause nerve damage if taken in higher dosages than 6 mg.. Do you have any updated recently medical info on this.

    I await your reply, Doris

  2. guess Says:

    this is true but rare according the source i got from this site. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10073,00.html

  3. Bonnie Says:

    Guess, I couldn’t find what you said was rare. I do know that Vitamin B6 is given in high doses for PMS.

    Doris,

    This is updated material, as my doctor has prescribed 150 mg of Vitamin B6 for my PMS.

  4. Dorothy Says:

    Vitamin B 6 helps calm the nervous system as well. It should be taken as instructed by your doctor for PMS.

  5. flowergardener Says:

    Vitamin B 6 is used to treat anxiety and nervous disorders. It does make a big difference for people who have a lot of stress in their lives. Give it a try.

  6. doris Says:

    This is all very interesting. I’m wondering if anyone has any knowledge of disorders such as autism, aspergers syndrome, PDD and others on the autism spectrum? I would like to learn more about some of these disorders.

  7. sally Says:

    My grandson has Aspergers syndrome. He was diagnosed when he was six. I would also love to know more about these disorders on the autistic spectrum, especially Aspergers.

  8. mark Says:

    The wife takes B6 for PMS. Just asked her and she takes 100 mgs daily.

    I see there’s mention of Asperger Syndrome here. There is a boy in my son’s class who has it. He has been in the same class as my son for 3 years. He is much improved. They are now in Middle School and he’s doing excellent this year. I volunteer for school trips and until this year a family member had to go with him. We’ve been on 3 trips this year and he is really doing great. Hats off to him. I’ll be sure to tell him how great he’s doing. That will help to build his self esteem. Whadda think?

  9. doris Says:

    Mark,

    Hats off to you for volunteering at your kids’ school and yes, be sure to tell the boy with AS that he is doing a terrific job.

  10. Brandon Says:

    I have high functioning autism, also known as Asperger’s Syndrome or PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder.) Until this year I’ve always had trouble in school because I didn’t find the work challenging enough. This year I love school. Asperger’s is a hard thing to live with. I have to learn things that other people know without being taught. Mom and Grandma and my teacher and the principal all say I’m doing awesome this year. That makes me feel good. I also have learned to make friends. I’ve always had trouble doing that, but this year is a lot better.

  11. Sally Says:

    Brandon, good for you. I know that Asperger children are very smart. My grandson also has problems at school because the work is too easy for him. You guys are special you know. Not all of us are as smart as you. I’m glad you are making more friends this year. That’s great. What state do you live in? I’m wondering if they have special conditions in the schools for children with Asperger. I live in North Carolina and we have special accommodations for kids with Aspergers and PDD.

  12. Sue Says:

    This is a very informative and interesting article and discussion. There are many things our bodies need in order to function properly. I would love to see an article here on Vitamin D. Do you know that you need Vitamin D so your body will absorb calcium? People need to be aware of this fact.

    You go, Brandon. Great stuff going on in your young mind. Congratulations!!! Keep up the good work and please keep us posted. You’re going to have an awesome year.

  13. Brandon Says:

    I live in Canada, so do not have a state. We have provinces. I live in Nova Scotia.

  14. Andrea Says:

    It is important that we have a balanced diet and Omega fish oils are important to every human being. It’s been proven that fish oils keep our bodies in tune. Vitamin B6 is important for those suffering from anxiety, but so is Omega fish oil.

  15. Brandon Says:

    Thanks, everyone for your nice comments. This is the first year I’ve liked school, though I’ve always got good grades.

  16. Renee Says:

    Hi Brandon, my son has Asperger’s as well. He is now in 4th grade and for the very first time has made friends. Thank you for sharing insight into how you feel, it is something that parents of children with Asperger’s do not get to see very often. You are very special and I wish you all the best.

  17. Renee Says:

    We have been giving our 9-year-old son (with Asperger’s) liquid vitamin b (from GNC) for about 5 years and it really seems to even him out. In addition, we really try to make his diet as healthy as possible and work in daily exercise. When your child has Asperger’s it is extra important to fit in all the aspects of “wellness”, to challenge them mentally, physically, socially, it all works together. It is tiring somedays but the payoff is definitely there. Our son did not speak until he was 4. Now no one would even know that there is anything “different” about him except that he is intellectually gifted. To all the parents out there putting in the extra time and love, it is is definitely worth it, keep on going!

Add info or Comment

Facts, Articles, and more