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What Are the Benefits of Pyridoxine?

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is an essential vitamin that must be obtained from food. Pyridoxine plays a vital role in the production and function of numerous chemicals, including red blood cells, hormones and neurotransmitters, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms include problems with memory and concentration, muscle strength and mood. Pyridoxine supplementation benefits common health ailments.

  1. Heart Health

    • Vitamin B6 deficiency increases the risk of developing heart disease. This is likely due to pyridoxine's role in regulating homocysteine levels. Women who consume 4.6 mg of vitamin B6 each day have significantly less risk of developing heart disease than women who consume 1.1 mg each day, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

    Morning Sickness

    • Although pyridoxine has been used to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness since the 1940s, studies have shown conflicting results for its effectiveness. Multiple studies showed a slight reduction in nausea and vomiting during morning sickness. Studies concluded that supplementing with vitamin B6 is safe during pregnancy and does not cause harm to the fetus, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

    Memory

    • A double-blind, placebo controlled study found that memory improved in elderly men that supplemented with pyridoxine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, more research is needed to determine if pyridoxine improves cognition in unimpaired individuals.

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    • Low blood levels of pyridoxine are associated with carpal tunnel symptoms like insomnia, tingling sensation in the hands and increased pain. Supplementing with pyridoxine may reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials show conflicting results for pyridoxine's effectiveness.

    Depression

    • Pyridoxine is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, a mood-modulating hormone. Although more research is needed, pyridoxine may improve the symptoms of depression. Additionally, vitamin B6 is being researched as a treatment for premenopause-related depression.

    Immune Function

    • Deficient intake of pyridoxine decreases lymphocytes, immune boosting cells, and interleukin-2, proteins that are essential for immune system function. Supplementing with vitamin B6 restores the production of these immune system components. Improving immune system function has been found to be especially important in the elderly, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

    Cautions

    • In rare cases, large intakes of pyridoxine have resulted in an allergic reaction. Vitamin B6 should not be taken in doses higher than 200 mg per day. Overdosing on pyridoxine can lead to neurological conditions that interfere with balance and feeling in the legs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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