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Most Vitamin B6 side effects are not known to many. There is in fact a common misconception that all kinds of vitamins, especially water-soluble ones, are safe to take at any dosage. This misconception can be quite dangerous as it can lead to some form of danger.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a major role in human metabolism. It is considered to be the maser vitamin for the proper processing of amino acids - it is the building blocks of all proteins as well as some of your hormones.
Aside from these, pyridoxine aids in the formation of a few neurotransmitters and is an essential nutrient for mental process and mood regulations.
In combination with other B vitamins, vitamin B6 pyridoxine lowers your homocysteine levels, which is important for controlling physiological functions and decreasing the likeliness for a stroke or heart diseases, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer's.
Some studies have also revealed the importance of vitamin B6 in improving glucose tolerance for gestational diabetes and in countering unpleasant pregnancy symptoms.
With all these important functions that pyridoxine plays a role in, it is not surprising how pyridoxine supplements have been made available today. They have been originally formulated for those who are B6 deficient. While deficiency of vitamin B6 is considered rare, it can cause mental malfunction, confusion, impaired immunity and even skin lesions.
Aside from those who are deficient, many people are using B6 supplements for its wide range of claimed benefits. However, before going on to take it, you must be informed of vitamin B6 side effects and use it cautiously.
Vitamin B6 is usually safe to take for up to 200 milligrams per day. Intakes of more than this recommended dose can lead to neurological side effects. This is caused by the fact that pyridoxine plays a major role in the nervous function in your body. Occasional cases of chest pain, skin rashes, upset stomach, fatigue, loss of appetite and breathing problems have also been reported.
The vitamin B6 supplement dosage that needs to be taken depends largely on why you are taking the supplement. It is best to follow your doctor's advice or to read the labels on the bottle and follow strictly.
As was mentioned, intake of levels that are higher than 200 mg can cause problems in neurological functions. Vitamin B6 overdose can damage your sensory nerves, thereby leading to numbness in your extremities and difficulties in walking.
Studies have even revealed that for long term use, it is best not to intake more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 per day. Supervision by a qualified practitioner is much needed for doses more than this.
Pyridoxine is one of the most important vitamins in the body. If you have a particular need for it, vitamin B6 supplements will certainly improve your quality of life. However, you have to be fully aware of possible vitamin B6 side effects. Make sure you take the vitamin at the right amounts to prevent further health problems.