Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) serves as coenzyme and is involved in the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates, the production of insulin and red and white blood cells, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and prostaglandins. Vitamin B-6 is essential in numerous biochemical pathways involving red blood cells, the immune system, central nervous system function, protein metabolism, homocysteine metabolism, and also the production of energy.

Pyridoxine is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve and muscle cells and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. It is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B-12 and for the production of red blood cells and cells of the immune system.

Use Vitamin B-6 as directed by your doctor.

• Take Vitamin B-6 by mouth with or without food.

Vitamin B-6 is indicated for the treatment of sideroblast anemia, neurologic disturbances, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and cheilosis. In combination with folic acid and Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B-6 lowers homocysteine levels which is an amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke, and possibly other diseases as well, such as osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Pyridoxine is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells.

Vitamin B-6 may be helpful in some women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and may be useful in some cases of gestational diabetes and for protection against metabolic imbalances associated with the use of some oral contraceptives. Vitamin B-6 promotes iron excretion and this has been used as a rationale for treatment in iron storage diseases.

If you miss a dose of Vitamin B-6 and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Store Vitamin B-6 at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Vitamin B-6 out of the reach of children and away from pets.

• Vitamin B-6 is usually safe, at intakes up to 200 mg per day in adults. However, Vitamin B-6 can cause neurological disorders, such as loss of sensation in legs and imbalance, when taken in high doses (200 mg or more per day) over a long period of time. Vitamin B-6 toxicity can damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking. Symptoms of a pyridoxine overdose may include poor coordination, staggering, numbness, decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration; and tiredness for up to six months.