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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Ayurvedic Medicine: Benefits, Deficiency & Dosage

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Vitamins are essential for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Pyridoxine, also known as Vitamin B6, is one of the most important vitamins for the human body. This vitamin plays a vital role in metabolism, nervous system health, and cellular repair and growth. It is found naturally in many foods, as well as in various forms of supplementation. Read on to explore the importance of Vitamin B6 and its relation with Ayurvedic medicine.

Contents

Ayurvedic herbs rich in Vitamin B6
Health benefits of Vitamin B6
Signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency
Causes and complications of Vitamin B6 deficiency
Diagnosis of Vitamin B6 deficiency
Different types of medication containing Vitamin B6
How to take Vitamin B6
Dosage of Vitamin B6
Side effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Frequently asked questions

Ayurvedic herbs rich in Vitamin B6

Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that relies heavily on herbal medicine. It has been used for centuries to restore balance to the body and mind. Some Ayurvedic herbs are especially rich in Vitamin B6, a nutrient essential for your physical and mental well-being.

Listed below are some of the best Ayurvedic herbs for Vitamin B6.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb used to reduce stress and boost energy. It is rich in Vitamin B6, which helps to regulate the body’s metabolism and mental functions. Ashwagandha is recommended for those who are feeling run down and want to give their body an energy boost.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular Ayurvedic herb used for its medicinal properties. It’s known to be a good source of Vitamin B6. It plays a role in mood regulation, digestion, and energy production. Turmeric is renowned as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, and can be used to help relieve pain and inflammation in the body.

3. Amalaki

Amalaki is an Ayurvedic herb used in traditional medicine. It is known to be packed with Vitamin B6, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. It is believed to help detoxify the body and boost immunity and health.

4. Brahmi

Brahmi is another popular Ayurvedic herb that is high in Vitamin B6. It is believed to be beneficial for cognitive functions and mental clarity. It is often used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as to improve memory and concentration.

5. Shatavari

This herb has been used for centuries. It is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps to balance the body’s hormones and stress levels. It is also rich in Vitamin B6, which plays a key role in metabolism, nervous system activity, and energy production.

Health benefits of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. It is important for a variety of processes, from the formation of energy molecules to the regulation of hormones. It has many health benefits, which are as follows.

It helps in digestion by aiding in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
It boosts metabolism and improves the body's use of foods and helps in keeping cholesterol in check.
It is also important for bone health, as it helps to regulate calcium levels in the bone.
It helps create new red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
It promotes nerve function and regulates neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
It is known to increase energy by improving the production of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are associated with energy levels.
It can help alleviate cramps, mood swings, depression and PMS symptoms.
It reduces stress levels, improves mood and focus, and improves overall sleep quality.
It also helps treat headaches, lowered immunity, and other skin problems.

Signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency can include the following.

Fatigue
Irritability
Nerve issues
Respiratory issues
Skin problems

Vitamin B6 deficiencies can lead to a wide range of health problems if not treated. It is important to get the proper amount of Vitamin B6 through dietary sources or supplements to ensure that you remain healthy.

Causes and complications of Vitamin B6 deficiency

Here is the rundown of some causes and complications of this vitamin deficiency.

Poor diet: Consuming an inadequate amount of foods that contain the vitamin or not consuming a balanced diet.
Alcohol abuse: Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb this vitamin.
Medications: Some medications inhibit the absorption and processing of this vitamin in the body.
Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to this deficiency.
Other disorders: Other health disorders, such as Crohn's disease, can increase the odds of the deficiency.
Age: Deficiency is more common among older adults, and can result from the ageing process itself.
Pregnancy: Vitamin B6 levels may get lower during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of deficiency.
Celiac disease: Individuals with Celiac disease may have difficulty absorbing this vitamin from the intestines.
Surgery: Certain surgeries, such as gastric bypass, can lead to the body not being able to absorb the necessary amounts of this vitamin.
Poor absorption: People who have a condition that affects the absorption of nutrients, such as cystic fibrosis, may not be able to absorb enough Vitamin B6.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B6 deficiency

Diagnosing Vitamin B6 deficiency is not always a straightforward process. In some cases, a physician may order lab tests to check the levels of different vitamins and minerals in the body, including Vitamin B6. These tests can help to narrow down a diagnosis.

It is also important to track symptoms that could be caused by a this deficiency. These include anaemia, irritability, seizures, skin lesions, decreased sensitivity to pain or temperature, and confusion. Other potential symptoms include insomnia, depression, and weakness in the arms and legs.

A doctor may take into consideration an individual’s lifestyle. A person who has been consuming a diet low in Vitamin B6 for an extended period of time is more likely to suffer from a deficiency than someone who has been following a healthy and balanced diet.

Different types of medication containing Vitamin B6

There are many different medications that contain Vitamin B6. These include oral medications, injectable medications, and topical medications.

1. Oral medications

Oral medications include multivitamins, supplements, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and epilepsy.

2. Injectable medications

Injectable medications include injectable forms of Vitamin B6, as well as drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Topical medications

Topical medications include topical forms of Vitamin B6, and drugs to treat certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

How to take Vitamin B6

You can take it either in supplement form or obtain it from natural sources.

1. Supplement

Vitamin B6 supplements are available in two forms. Oral forms which can be taken in tablets, capsules or liquids, and injectable forms which are usually taken intramuscularly. The recommended way to take supplements is orally. Oral ingestion ensures better absorption and bioavailability. It is important to take the supplement with food since this vitamin is fat-soluble.

Also, Vitamin B6 supplements should be taken daily as per the dosage recommended by the health care provider. For people who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, liquid forms can be taken instead. It is vital to take the supplement at the same time each day for consistent absorption.

2. Food

Getting enough of the daily dietary requirements can also be done by including foods such as poultry, fish, pork, white or brown rice, eggs, legumes such as chickpeas, beans, lentils, nuts, and whole grains in the diet. Eating a wide variety of these foods is the best option for getting the required amount of Vitamin B6 on a daily basis.

Dosage of Vitamin B6

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) for adults is 1.3 mg per day. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is set at 100 milligrams (mg) per day for adults over the age of 19. People can also obtain this vitamin from food sources such as poultry, fish, pork, eggs, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. The recommended daily allowance of this vitamin can also be increased to up to 2 mg/kg body weight in cases of pregnant or lactating women.

Some people may need to take supplemental Vitamin B6 in order to meet their recommended dietary requirements. For example, people over 65 years of age, pregnant or lactating, or with certain conditions such as kidney diseases or sickle cell anaemia may need to take supplementation. People with these conditions should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the correct dosage they should take.

It is important to note that consuming too much Vitamin B6 can be harmful. So, it is crucial to stick to the recommended daily allowances.

Side effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 can be toxic at higher doses, and can cause neurological signs and symptoms such as loss of sensation in hands and feet, dizziness, sleep disturbances, depression, and confusion. Some people may also experience allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, or itching with large doses. Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

Frequently asked questions

Listed below are the commonly asked questions related to Vitamin B6.

What is the best form of Vitamin B6 to take?

When looking for a form of supplementation, there are several options. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, and pyridoxamine are forms found in most B6 supplements. Of these three forms, pyridoxal-5-phosphate is the most bioavailable and, therefore, the best form to take. Also, it is crucial to look for supplements that contain Vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxine hydrochloride, as this form is easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

What is the richest source of vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is an important vitamin for the body, and it can be found in a variety of foods. It is most abundantly found in meats, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and eggs. And also in some fruits such as bananas, avocados, and kiwifruit.

Does Vitamin B6 help you sleep?

Yes, it helps in the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can affect mood, stress levels, and even sleep quality.

What are the benefits of Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 has many benefits for the body, including aiding in the formation of haemoglobin and helping to turn the food into energy after consumption. It can also help reduce the risk of heart disease by promoting healthy cholesterol levels, improve brain health by boosting the production of serotonin and dopamine, and even help boost the immune system.

References

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.