B6 Pyridoxine HCL, 100mg

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for protein metabolism, energy production and normal nervous system function. Vitamin B-6 is involved in nearly 60 enzyme systems in the body. It is necessary for normal growth, red blood cell synthesis and vitamin B-12 absorption.

Vitamin B-6 has often been called 'the woman's vitamin' because it is so helpful for premenstrual syndrome, and may help the depression associated with the use of oral contraceptives. Vitamin B-6 may also help prevent certain complications of pregnancy including nausea and vomiting, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth retardation, and toxemia.

Research has shown that vitamin B-6 (usually in doses of 50 to 200 mg/day) can prevent or relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and may be helpful for asthma. Vitamin B-6 supplementation, in conjunction with folic acid and vitamin B-12, can lower homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease. By inhibiting the production of oxalate, vitamin B-6 may prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone recurrence.

Persons at risk for vitamin B-6 deficiency: anyone with a malabsorption problem (such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease; diabetics; elderly; women who are pregnant, nursing or taking oral contraceptives.

Incidents of vitamin B-6 toxicity are very rare.