Daily OTC Pearl: Vitamin B-6

OTC/Lifestyle Pearl of the Day: Vitamin B-6 

Indication: Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy.

Insight:

• Food sources of vitamin B-6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals.
• Vitamin B-6 can also be taken as a supplement, typically as an oral capsule, tablet, or liquid.
• People with kidney disease or conditions that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from foods (malabsorption syndromes) are more likely to be vitamin B-6 deficient.
• A vitamin B-6 deficiency is usually coupled with deficiency in other B vitamins, such as folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-12.
• Interactions may include with altretamine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
• Recommended daily allowance: The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-6 for adults 50 years of age and younger is 1.3 milligrams. After age 50, the recommended daily amount is 1.5 milligrams for women and 1.7 milligrams for men.

Sources:

• Vitamin B-6 - Mayo Clinic
• Nature Made Vitamin B-6 100 Mg for Metabolic Health,100 Tablets Ea - Walmart.com