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Health Foods Multivitamins Herbal Formulas Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps brain function and helps the body
convert protein to energy. Some research has shown that vitamin B6 works
with folic acid and B12 to reduce levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) in the
blood. Elevated homocysteine levels can increase a person's risk of heart attack.

Nutritionists categorize vitamins by the materials that a vitamin will dissolve in.
There are two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble
vitamins, which include the B-complex group and vitamin C, travel through the
bloodstream. Whatever water-soluble vitamins are not used by the body are
eliminated in urine, which means you need a continuous supply of them in your
food. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin.

How Much Vitamin B6 Is Enough?
Women need 1.6 milligrams of B6 every day, and men need 2 milligrams.

Sources of Vitamin B6
Poultry
Pork
Fish
Eggs
Soybeans
Oats
Whole grains
Bananas
Nuts and seeds

Can You Have Too Much or Too Little?
Taking regular high doses of vitamin B6 over 250 milligrams per day may cause
nerve damage. In addition pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take
more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 because too much
pyridoxine can cause harm to the developing fetus or infant.

Vitamin Storage
If you want to get the most vitamins possible from your food, refrigerate fresh
produce and keep milk and grains away from strong light. Vitamins are easily
destroyed and washed out during food preparation and storage. If you take
vitamin supplements, store them at room temperature in a dry place that’s
free of moisture.