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Vitamin B6
Illustrations
Vitamin
B6 benefit
Vitamin
B6 source
Alternative names
Pyridoxine; Deficiency - vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
Definition
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is
part of the vitamin B complex.
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.
Update Date: 10/27/2004 Updated by: Kevin Pho, M.D., Attending,
Internal Medicine, Boston VA Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed
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