Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine

Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine is an important vitamin for older women as it has an important role in balancing hormonal changes. Like the other B vitamins, it also plays a role in metabolizing protein, fats and carbohydrates and red blood cell production. In addition, it balances the amounts of sodium and potassium in the body. Vitamin B6 - pyridoxine is said to help balance your mood and behavior.

Food With Vitamin B6

B6 can be found in many of the same foods as the other B vitamins - Brewers yeast, fish, liver, eggs chicken, wheat germ, walnuts and peas.

Dosage

Minimum USRDA for B6 is 2 mg per day for men and also for women. Keep in mind that this is the bare minimum you need to survive and supplements usually contain more than this amount.

Vitamin B6 Side Effects

Extreme dosage (2000 mg a day or more ) of vitamin B6 can cause severe damage so don't take too much of this vitamin and consult your physician before adding any more to your nutritional intake. In particular, anyone with Parkinsons disease should consult their physician before taking Pyridoxine.

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause a general feeling of weakness, irritability and skin problems. Sometimes it can trigger asthma and allergies and can cause ridges in the nails. In extreme cases, a deficiency may cause kidney stones. Of course these can be symptoms of many disorders so please see your physician if you experience them.

Other Considerations

People on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may benefit from extra B6.

Vitamin B2 needs to be present in order for the body to activate Pyridoxine so you should take all the B vitamins together as they need each other to work best.