Gender | Age | Intake |
---|---|---|
0-6 months | Male | 0.1 mg/day |
0-6 months | Female | 0.1 mg/day |
7-12 months | Male | 0.3 mg/day |
7-12 months | Female | 0.3 mg/day |
1-3 years | Male | 0.5 mg/day |
1-3 years | Female | 0.5 mg/day |
4-8 years | Male | 0.6 mg/day |
4-8 years | Female | 0.6 mg/day |
9-13 years | Male | 1 mg/day |
9-13 years | Female | 1 mg/day |
14-50 years | Male | 1.3 mg/day |
14-18 years | Female | 1.2 mg/day |
50 years and older | Male | 1.7 mg/day |
19-50 years | Female | 1.3 mg/day |
50 years and older | Female | 1.5 mg/day |
Pregnant women | Female | 1.9 mg/day |
Lactating women | Female | 2 mg/day |
This vitamin, also known as pyridoxine, is synthesized in the intestine and can be absorbed from various vegetable and animal foods.
Vitamin B6 is essential for the proper breakdown of proteins, fats, sugars, and amino acids. The human body also requires pyridoxine for the normal development and function of the nerves, brain, skin, muscles, and other body organs. Pyridoxine takes part in formation of various enzymes and synthesis of nucleic acids. It also helps to absorb vitamin B12.
Vitamin B6 is said to be effective for treating and preventing numerous diseases including the following:
Pyridoxine can be used for treating menstruation problems, increasing appetite, boosting immune system, and preventing kidney stones.
Lack of pyridoxine can occur in people who have kidney disease, radiation sickness, or enteric infections. It can cause loss of appetite, nausea, irritability, sleepiness, and sluggishness.
Vitamin B6 is safe for adults and children when taken in proper doses. Too much pyridoxine can cause stomach pain, tingling, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and some other side effects. Taking high doses during a long period often leads to nerve and brain conditions.
Pyridoxine is easily absorbed from most food sources, but its absorption becomes worse if there is too little magnesium in the body.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women, athletes and people who work with radioactive substances need higher doses of pyridoxine.