Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is present in three forms, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 is not stable in heat or in alkaline conditions. So cooking and food processing reduce its content in food.
Vitamin B6 is stored in muscles and is excreted in urine when taken in excess.
Vitamin B6 benefits:
This is essential for getting energy and nutrients from food.
It participates in the formation of red blood cells, antibodies , and insulin and to maintain the normal brain function.
Vitamin B6 foods :
Vitamin B6 natural sources include
Lean meats
Fish
Legumes
Green leafy vegetables
Raisins
Corn
Whole grain cereals
Pork
Bananas
Lentils
Mangoes
Poultry
Deficiency of vitamin B6 causes skin changes, convulsions in infants, dementia, nervous disorders and anemia. People at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency include alcoholics and elderly persons who take an inadequate diet.
Carpal tunnel syndrome , a nerve disorder of the wrist, has been treated with large daily doses of vitamin B6. But data on its effectiveness is conflicting.