Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 20 mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 20 mg
The
U.S. RDA varies between 1.3 mg and 2.0 mg, depending upon age and
gender. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three
major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It
performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for
your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100
enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red
blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6
to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of
tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin.
Hemoglobin within red blood
cells carries oxygen to tissues. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make
hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried
by hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia
that is similar to iron deficiency anemia.
Individuals with a
poor quality diet or an inadequate B6 intake for an extended period may
benefit from taking a vitamin B6 supplement if they are unable to
increase their dietary intake of vitamin B6. Alcoholics and older
adults are more likely to have inadequate vitamin B6 intakes than other
segments of the population because they may have limited variety in
their diet. Alcohol also promotes the destruction and loss of vitamin
B6 from the body.