Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps brain function and helps the body convert protein to energy. Some research has shown that vitamin B6 works with folic acid and B12 to reduce levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) in the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels can increase a person’s risk of heart attack. Better metabolism, better digestion, and an in-sync melody of the vitamins and minerals within can help the dieter reach their weight loss goals a bit quicker and safer. Keep in mind that vitamins should be obtained from natural food sources and vitamin supplements are just that - a safety net to help the body meet the daily requirements. Because dieters generally restrict calories, vitamin supplements may help ensure better nutrition and a more efficient metabolism.
Infants & Children:
0 to 6 months old - 0.1
7 to 12 months old - 0.3
1 to 3 years old - 0.5
4 to 8 years old - 0.6
Males:
9 to 13 years old - 1.0
14 to 18 years old - 1.3
19 to 30 years old - 1.3
31 to 50 years old - 1.3
51 to 70 years old - 1.7
Over 70 years old - 1.7
Females:
9 to 13 years old - 1.0
14 to 18 years old - 1.2
19 to 30 years old - 1.3
31 to 50 years old - 1.3
51 to 70 years old - 1.5
Over 70 years old - 1.5
Pregnancy:
14 to 18 years old - 1.9
19 to 30 years old - 1.9
31 to 50 years old - 1.9
Lactation:
14 to 18 years old - 2.0
19 to 30 years old - 2.0
31 to 50 years old - 2.0
Natural Food Sources Containing Vitamin B6:
Avocado, bananas, yeast extract, dried brewer’s yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, oat flakes, sardines, mackerel, beef, poultry, brown rice, cabbage, molasses, free range eggs.
Vitamin B6 Nutrition Benefits for the Body:
General -Anti allergy, anti depressant, necessary to production of hydrochloric acid in stomach, necessary for absorption of protein, necessary for absorption of fats - one of the most-used nutrients by the body.
Therapeutic Uses for Vitamin B6: Controlling travel sickness, depression associated with some types of birth control, convulsions in infants, skin lesions, skin allergies, bronchial asthma and radiation sickness.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms
Cracked lips, inflamed tongue, swollen tongue, swollen abdomen, swollen fingers, swollen ankles, breast discomforts, mild depression, scaly facial skin, headaches, inflamed nerve endings.
Vitamin B6 Offenders:
- Storage Time
- Processing
- Canning
Health Warnings for Vitamin B6:
- Body must have Vitamin B6 to have the ability to absorb Vitamin B12.
- Antidote to hydrazine.
- Smokers, heavy alcohol users, women on the pill, and individuals who pursue a heavy protein based diet are at an increased risk for developing Vitamin B6 deficiency.
Health Notes Regarding Vitamin Deficiencies:
Fad dieting, fasting, liquid dieting and yo yo dieting may effect your body’s balance and leave the dieter deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. In that event, it will be more difficult to drop pounds and to feel like exercising due to fatigue. If you have been dieting for a long period of time and feel under the weather, or like you are locked in a mental fog, get with your doctor for a professional evaluation.