Pyridoxine Vitamin B6 (100 Tablets)

Pyridoxine Vitamin B6 is essential for brain development and keeping the nervous system and immune systems healthy.

Conditions that may require Pyridoxine Vitamin B6

• Kidney disease or conditions that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients
• Autoimmune disorders
• Epilepsy
• Alcohol dependence
• Anemia
• Confusion
• Depression
• Weak immune system.

Dosage

Daily dosage for adults under 50 years old and younger = 1.3 milligrams.
Daily dosage for adults over 50 years old = 1.5 milligrams (women) and 1.7 milligrams (men).

Evidence

• Heart and blood vessel disease and stroke. Researchers had previously believed that vitamin B-6, when combined with folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-12, might prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels by reducing the levels of an amino acid in the blood (homocysteine). However, studies show that the combination of these vitamins doesn't seem to reduce the risk or severity of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• Morning sickness. Vitamin B-6 might reduce the severity of morning sickness during pregnancy. If you have persistent nausea and vomiting, your pregnancy care provider might prescribe vitamin B-6 supplements.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is some evidence that vitamin B-6 might reduce symptoms of PMS; however, these studies are considered to be low quality.
• Sideroblastic anemia. Vitamin B-6 is effective at treating this genetic type of anemia.

Vitamin B-6 supplements are also effective for treating a genetic form of anemia and for preventing an adverse reaction to the antibiotic cycloserine (Seromycin), a prescription drug taken to treat tuberculosis.

Safety and side effects

Consuming vitamin B-6 through food appears to be safe, even in excessive amounts.
When used as a supplement in appropriate doses, vitamin B-6 is likely safe.
However, taking too much vitamin B-6 from supplements can cause:

• A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia)
• Painful, disfiguring skin lesions
• Heartburn and nausea
• Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Numbness
• Reduced ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures

Drug interactions

Check with your doctor before taking vitamin B-6 if you're using any medications. Possible drug interactions include:

• Altretamine. Taking vitamin B-6 with this chemotherapy drug might reduce its effectiveness, especially when also combined with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
• Barbiturates. Taking vitamin B-6 with a drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant (barbiturate) might decrease the drug's duration and intensity.
• Anticonvulsants. Taking vitamin B-6 with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx, Sesquient) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) might decrease the drug's duration and intensity.
• Levodopa. Avoid taking vitamin B-6 with this drug used to treat Parkinson's disease. Vitamin B-6 might reduce the effectiveness of the drug.