Diet Blurbs

Vitamin B6, also referred to as pyridoxine, is a “not stored, dissolves in water” vitamin.  This means any extras of this vital nutrient is dumped through urination.  Hence, a continuous dietary supply is required.

One of your body’s benefits from vitamin B6 is production of antibodies, which help your immune system fight infection and disease.  Some additional health benefits are:

• red blood cell formation
• assists in breaking down proteins
• maintenance of normal nerve function
• necessary for tryptophan’s conversion to niacin
• increases amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin
• supports health of lymph organs ~ thymus, spleen, lymph nodes
• helps stored carbohydrate conversion to glucose for reasonable blood sugar level upkeep

Food sources of vitamin B6 include:

• milk
• fish
• liver
• nuts
• eggs
• meat
• beans
• cheese
• legumes
• potatoes
• whole grains
• fortified breads, cereals
• vegetables ~ carrots, spinach, peas

A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in anemia, one similar to iron deficiency.  And a deficiency may also affect your immune response.  A couple of symptoms for vitamin B6 deficiency are:

• irritability
• confusion
• depression
• tongue, mouth sores

A vitamin B6 malnutrition deficiency may occur if you are suffering from:

• uremia
• cirrhosis
• alcoholism
• hyperthyroidism
• congestive heart failure
• malabsorption syndrome

Too much vitamin B6, usually an overdose related to supplementation, may result in side effects of nerve damage to your arms and legs.  Peripheral neuropathy side effects, as a result of an overdose, reverse once you discontinue the taking of the supplements.

Generally, you can avoid vitamin B6 deficiency or an overdose by eating a well balanced diet that includes some of its food sources.  Reap its benefits and don’t sow its side effects by over supplementation.

• Vitamin Basics: What Every Body Needs to Know
• Anemia Causes Fatigue, Headache and Dizziness Symptoms
• Causes for Anemia and Dietary Sources for Deficiency Treatment
• Preventing Illness or Sickness Begins When Your Immune System Starts
• Causes of Swollen, Enlarged, Painful Lymph Nodes (Glands) and Swelling Treatment
• Neuropathy Causes Diabetic Foot Problems from Chronic Blood Sugar High Diabetes
• Benefits of Folic Acid (Folate), Foods, Pregnancy, Supplements, Deficiency and Side Effects
• Kidney Failure Ankle Swelling Symptoms, Leg Swelling Signs and Diet Restriction Treatment