Vitamin Library

Vitamin A Thiamin B-1 Riboflavin B-2 Niacin B-3
Pantothenic Acid B-5 Pyridoxine B-6 Cobalamin B-12 Biotin
Beta Carotene Bioflavonoid Vitamin C Choline & Inositol
Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Paba
Pyridoxine (B6)

DESCRIPTION

Pyridoxine is known as the "women’s vitamin" because it is particularly beneficial for women. Pyridoxine is water soluble, so a regular daily intake is vital. Pyridoxine is essential to produce adrenaline and insulin.

It is reasonably resistant to heat, but will leach out into water. High protein diets increase the need for pyridoxine. Alcoholics have low levels of pyridoxine.

BENEFITS

Pyridoxine is essential for energy production.

It is vital for the nervous system.

Pyridoxine is involved in protein metabolism.

WHO MAY NEED TO SUPPLEMENT

Women on the contraceptive pill

Alcoholics

Lactating women

Smokers

People with heart disease

Women following hormone replacement therapy

REQUIREMENTS (RNI)

THE RNI VALUES (COMA 1991) FOR PYRIDOXINE*

AGE

(mg/day)

0-6 months

0.2

7-9 months

0.3

10-12 months

0.4

1-3 years

0.7

4-6 years

0.9

7-10 years

1.0

11-14 years (males)

1.2

11+ years (female)

1.0

15-18 years (males)

1.5

19+ years (males)

1.4

*Based on protein intake that provides 14.7 percent of average energy intake.

THERAPEUTIC USES

Cystitis

Influenza

Conjunctivitis

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

PMS

Lowered white blood cell count

Swollen ankles; abdomen and fingers

Seborrhea (oily skin with crusts and scales) around the eyes, nose and mouth

BEST FOOD SOURCES

FOOD

(mg/100g)

Wheat germ

0.95

Bananas

0.51

Turkey

0.44

Chicken

0.29

Fish, white

0.29

Beef, stewing steak

0.27

Brussels sprouts

0.28

Potatoes

0.25

Bread, whole-meal

0.12

Baked beans

0.12

Peas, frozen

0.10

Bread, white

0.07

Oranges

0.06

Milk

0.06

SAFETY

Pyridoxine is very safe to take with no reported cases of toxicity. However, doses in excess of 100mg daily should be under strict medical supervision.

INTERACTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pyridoxine is one of the B-complex vitamins and so ideally should be taken as part of the complex, although single supplementation is acceptable as part of nutritional therapy.