Vitamin B6

 

               Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that

          comprises three related forms: pryidoxine, pryidoxal and

          pryidoxamine.

               Function: Plays many roles in the body, the but most

          important one is in protein metabolism.

               Sources: Fortified instant oatmeal; fortified

          ready-to-eat cereals; meat, poultry and fish; soybeans;

          some fruits and vegetables, including bananas, prunes,

          watermelon, spinach, sweet potatoes, and tomato juice.

               Deficiency: Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause anemia,

          dermatitis and convulsions. In infants, it can lead to a

          variety of neurological disorders and abdominal distress.

          Deficiency is rare in the United States; it is mainly seen

          in people deficient in several B-complex vitamins.

               Excess: Long-term megadoses, such as may be taken by

          women to alleviate premenstrual syndrome, may cause nerve

          damage and muscular incoordination in the hands and feet.

               U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances

        Infants      Children      Adults and           Pregnant or

        (0-12 mo.)   (1-3 years)   Children 4 Years +   Nursing Women

         0.4 mg       0.7 mg        2.0 mg               2.5 mg

               (The U.S. RDA amounts are sufficient to meet the needs 

  of practic all healthy people.)