Vitamin B6 is a nutrient that is essential for brain function and neurodevelopment. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in the production of the hormones serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine. Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine.

Natural vitamin b6 is obtained from vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, cereals, bananas, and nuts. In addition to having the benefits mentioned above, vitamin B6 also helps the body produce antibodies and hemoglobin, as well as maintain normal sugar levels in the body.

Although rare, a person can experience vitamin B6 deficiency, especially if suffering from certain conditions, such as kidney failure, malnutrition, or alcoholism. In these conditions, vitamin B6 intake from food must be supported by vitamin B6 supplements.

Warning Before Taking Vitamin B6

Although it can be obtained freely, you should first consult with your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements. Some things you need to pay attention to before taking vitamin B6 supplements are:

Do not take vitamin B6 if you are allergic to this supplement.
Do not take vitamin B6 if you are recovering from an angioplasty.
Avoid taking vitamin B6 if you are a diabetic who has recently had a stroke.
Tell your doctor your medical history and any medications you are taking, including vitamin supplements and herbal remedies.
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B6 supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Immediately consult a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking vitamin B6.

Daily Needs of Vitamin B6

Below is the recommended daily requirement of vitamin B6 based on age and gender. These daily needs can be met from food, supplements, or a combination of the two.

How to Take Vitamin B6 Supplements Correctly

Vitamin supplements are consumed to complement the body's nutritional needs, especially when vitamin intake from food cannot meet the body's needs. So, vitamin supplements cannot be used as a substitute for nutrients from food. Vitamin supplements are taken in a number of conditions, such as when you have an illness or you are taking drugs that interfere with the metabolism of vitamins and minerals.

Take vitamin B6 according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging, or according to the doctor's advice. Do not increase or decrease the recommended dose and time of use. Take vitamin B6 at the same time every day for effective results. Vitamin B6 can be taken before or after meals. If you forget to take vitamin B6, do it as soon as you remember, as long as the break with the next schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.

Interaction of Vitamin B6 with Other Drugs

The following are the effects of interactions that may occur if you take vitamin B6 along with other medicines:

Reduces the effectiveness of vitamin B6 when used with birth control pills, isoniazid, and penicillin antibiotics
Increases sensitivity to sun exposure when used with amiodarone
Increases risk of severe hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
Decreases the effectiveness of the drugs levodopa, phenytoin, and phenobarbital

Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 rarely causes side effects when taken in recommended doses. However, in some people, taking excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can cause the following side effects:

Drowsiness
Nauseous
Gag
Stomach ache
Diarrhea
Headache
Tingling

Immediately see a doctor if you experience the above symptoms or an allergic reaction occurs to the drug in the form of an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the face and tongue, severe headache, or shortness of breath.