Health Care Encyclopedia
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Vitamin B6Definition: Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex.
Alternative Names: Pyridoxine; Deficiency - vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
Function: Vitamin B-6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B-6 helps maintain normal nerve function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions needed to digest proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B-6.
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 B-6 can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause mouth and tongue sores, irritability, confusion, and depression. (Vitamin B-6 deficiency is not common in the United States.)
Recommendations: The average diet supplies adequate vitamin B-6.
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| Review Date: 10/27/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin Pho, M.D., Attending, Internal Medicine, Boston VA Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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