The body needs vitamins to function properly. Deficiency of certain vitamins can result to disease and even death. Vitamins are sometimes called as “co-enzymes” because they work together with enzymes or chemical catalyst in the body.

One of these vitamins needed by the body is the vitamin B complex. These are vitamins that are very important for the proper functioning of the body, especially for the brain and the nervous system.

One of these B complex vitamins is vitamin B6 or pyridoxine. It is used in more body functions than any other vitamin. This vitamin is extremely important in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds, chemical transmitters in the nervous system, red blood cells, and prostaglandins.

Pyridoxine is needed for the proper functioning of more than 60 different enzymes in the body. It is important in maintaining hormonal balance, and proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin B6 is needed in the absorption of vitamin B12, and in the production of hydrochloric acid. It is crucial for brain chemistry because of its involvement in the production of all amino acid neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B6 is vital in cell multiplication, and is good for the prevention of miscarriages. When combined with magnesium, it can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is also useful in the prevention and treatment of asthma, cardiovascular diseases, Chinese restaurant syndrome, diabetes, kidney stones, osteoporosis, autism, carpal tunnel syndrome, epilepsy, premenstrual syndrome, and vomiting during pregnancy.

Vitamin B6 is needed in the assimilation of vitamin C, potassium and other B vitamins. For the body to be able to utilize pyridoxine, riboflavin and magnesium are required.

Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms are mental depression, anemia, edema, halitosis, eczema, insomnia, nervousness, sore mouth and lips, kidney stones, colon inflammation, migraines, tooth decay, and premature senility.

Rich sources of pyridoxine are brewer’s yeast, torula yeast, wheat germ, whole wheat, soybeans, walnuts, lentils, bananas, brown rice, oats, peanuts, avocadoes, eggs, and sunflower seeds.

Dosage: RDA 2.2 mg; ODA 50 mg; TDA 200-500 mg. Recommended for therapeutic dosage is 50-100 mg daily. Note: The above dosages are for adults. Dosage for children 12-17 years old should be reduced to 3/4 of the recommended dose, and for children 6-11 years old, dosage is 1/2 of the recommended.