Vitamin B6 is necessary for healthy teeth, proper functioning of the pancreas, maintaining muscle tone and has a soothing effect on the nerves. It aids in proper protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and also helps in the formation of red blood cells, neurotransmitters, prostaglandins and proteins. It’s helpful in relieving asthma and symptoms associated with PMS. Vitamin B6 is also required for growing new cells and balancing blood sugar levels. It’s good for the skin and immune system as well. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine is essential for the smokers as it reduces the risk of lung cancer. Pyridoxine is used in more body functions than almost any other vitamins.
Vitamin B6 plays a role in the creation of antibodies in the immune system. Needed for proper functioning of over 60 different enzymes. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6. Too little B6 in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Vital to over 100 health conditions including: asthma, autism, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, Chinese restaurant syndrome, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, immune enhancement, kidney stones, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, osteoporosis, and premenstrual syndrome.
Deficiency Symptoms: Skin disorders, sore mouth and lips, anemia, easy agitation, frustration, heart palpitations, edema, heart arrhythmia, mental depression, halitosis, eczema, nervousness, kidney stones, insomnia, tooth decay, colon inflammation migraines, and premature senility. One of the most dominant vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms in adults is unexplained weight gain (due to water retention in the body) or weight loss. Some individuals may also complain of metal problems like insomnia, paranoia, depression and mood swings. They may also get easily frustrated or agitated. Other symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency in adults is ADD (attention deficit disorder), heart palpitations, loss of libido (in men), indigestion and tingling sensation in the arms and legs etc.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms in Women
Women who take birth control pills or are heavy drinkers are at a risk of developing vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms. Others at risk include pregnant or breastfeeding women, those taking medications like isoniazid, hydralazine, penicillamine, etc. and women on high protein diet. The vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms in women include: Depression, Mood swings, Migraine, Hair loss, Irritability, Anemia, Loss of appetite, Dry skin, Cracks on tongue and lips, Weakness, Crying spells,inability to cope.
Fruit Sources (Avocado, Banana, Blueberries, Breadfruit, Cantaloupe, Cherimoya, Dates, Grapes, Guava, Lychee, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Raisins, Watermelon)
Vegetable Sources (Amaranth Leaves, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Celeriac, Corn, French Beans, Green Pepper, Kale, Lima Beans, Mushroom, Okra, Peas ,Potatoes, Spirulina, Spaghetti ,Squash Squash – winter, Sweet Potato, Taro)
Nut/Grain Sources (Chestnuts, Filberts/Hazelnuts, Pistachios, Pumpkin Seeds, Rice Brown, Rye, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Wheat – Durum ,Wheat – Hard Red,Wheat – Hard White)
Legume Source (Black Eye Peas, Edamame, Garbanzo, Beans Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Navy Beans, Pinto Beans , Soy Beans ,White Beans)
- Vitamin B2 ( Riboflavin) : Benefits, Deficiency And Food Sources. (blissreturned.wordpress.com)