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Vitamin B6 |
| Definition: |
| A water-soluble vitamin; part of the vitamin B complex. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Pyridoxine; Deficiency - vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) |
| Function: |
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Vitamin B-6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B6. |
| Food Sources: |
| Vitamin B-6 is found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals. |
| Side Effects: |
| Large doses of vitamin B6 can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Deficiency of this vitamin is not common in the United States. |
| Recommendations: |
| The average diet supplies adequate quantities of vitamin B6. |
Reviewed By: Aparna Oltikar, M.D., Department of Community Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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