Why Do We Need Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is necessary for normal breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency:
Elevated amino acid homocysteine
Muscle weakness.
Nervousness
Irritability.
Depression
Trouble concentrating.
Short term memory loss.

Vitamin B6 has been shown to be beneficial to the following conditions:
Elevated homocysteine levels (and secondarily stroke and heart disease)
Premenstrual syndrome.
Nausea due to early pregnancy (morning sickness)
Osteoporosis.
Burns
Depression.
Type II diabetes mellitus
Attention deficit disorders.
Tardive dyskinesias
Hypertension.
Elevated C-reactive protein
10% reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol at 120 mg/day.

Prescription Drugs that deplete Vitamin B6:
MAOIs  (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Isoniazid (INH), an anti-tubercosis antibiotic.
Cycloserine, also used for tuberculosis treatment
Birth control pills (estrogen).
Erythropoeitin for severe anemia
Methotrexate.
Penicillamine
Theophylline.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenytoin (Dilantin).
Phenobarbital (Primidone)
Gentamicin (Garamycin).

Laboratory testing for Vitamin B6:
Erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase coenzyme activation assays.
Lymphocyte proliferation tests
Serum (less accurate).

Vitamin B6 Food Sources:
Chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef, liver, lentils, soybeans, nuts, avocados, bananas, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole-grain flour.