Vitamin B6
(pyridoxine; pyridoxal; pyridoxamine)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Pyridoxine is classified as a B-vitamin. As a coenzyme, it aids in the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids and in the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids from essential fatty acids; essential for conversion of tryptophan to niacin; essential for normal growth.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Under age 51: 1.3 mg.
• Ages 51 and older: 1.7 mg (Males) and 1.5 mg (Females).
• Pregnancy: 1.9 mg.
• Lactation: 2.0 mg.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Liver, brewer’s yeast, banana, salmon, poultry, beef kidney, potato w/skin, legumes, prune juice, filberts, halibut, shrimp.
• Specifically: beef liver, veal liver, brewers yeast, banana, salmon, chicken light meat, chicken liver, herring, turkey liver, turkey light meat, beef kidney, potato w/skin, baked beans, prune juice, filberts, halibut, shrimp.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 10 mg to 500 mg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Asthma
• Cancer (lung)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Coronary heart disease
• High homocysteine
• Kidney stones
• Morning sickness
• Premenstrual syndrome

COMMENTS

• Vitamin B6, along with B12 and folic acid, can lower homocysteine levels.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you are under L-dopa treatment for Parkinson’s disease. High doses (usually over 500 mg) may cause reversible peripheral neuropathy.