Uses for Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 was discovered sometime in the 30s as scientists were studying pellagra, which is disease related to deficiency of the vitamin niacin. Some negligigible amounts of vitamin B6 can be synthesized by intestinal bacteria in your body.

There are three major different kinds of natural forms that vitamin B6 comes in. This includes pyridoxine, pyridoxal, as well as pyridoxamine, all located and present inside foods. They each have their own characteristics and benefits for certain medical conditions an/or treatment, as described in the following.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) - Some studies have suggested that dosages up to 100 mg/day of vitamin B6 can be of benefit for relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, more research is needed.

Hyperemesis gravidarum — this is also known as “morning sickness.” Women that intake up to 40/mg of vitamin B6 on a daily basis can see some diminished effects of nausea and vomiting induced during pregnancy. This is also hard to prove scientifically, as “morning sickness” gradually improves throughout the term of pregnancy.

Depression - While clinical trials are pending, vitamin B6 has been used to assist women with the relief depression, particularly in woman that are taking oral contraceptives.

Cardiovascular disease - Elevated levels of homocysteine in your blood are one of the risk factors that can lead to atherosclerotic disease. Studies have shown that not only vitamin b6, but folic acid and vitamin B12 can help lower homocysteine levels in your body that are critical to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

May 6th, 2008