Vitamin B6, also known as "pyridoxine", is considered one of the essential vitamins for the health of pregnant women and fetuses. A woman's need during pregnancy is a group of nutrients and vitamins to maintain health and promote the development of the fetus. But, can it be harmful to consume excessive amounts of vitamin B6? In the next few lines, we will review  Dalili Medical   the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women, in addition to the potential risks of excessive consumption, as well as the food sources that contain this vitamin.

**The importance of vitamin B6 for pregnant women**

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in many body functions, which makes it especially important during pregnancy. Here are some of the main reasons that make vitamin B6 necessary for pregnant mothers:

- **Fetal nose development**: Vitamin B6 contributes to the production of neurotransmitters, which play an essential role in the development of the fetal nose.

- Formation of red blood cells: It helps in the production of hemoglobin, which is necessary to transport oxygen to all parts of the body.

- **Supporting the immune system**: Vitamin B6 enhances the efficiency of the immune system, which helps protect the mother and child from infection.

- **Protein metabolism**: It contributes to the analysis of proteins and their uses, which is necessary for fetal growth and development.

- **Hormonal balance**: Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal changes during pregnancy, which reduces the severity of morning sickness. Due to these vital functions, ensuring that I get a sufficient amount of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is extremely important for health and well-being. mother and child

**The recommended doses of vitamin B6 during pregnancy**

 

Vitamin B6 is considered essential during pregnancy, but it is important to consume it in appropriate amounts. The recommended amount of vitamin B6 for pregnant women is as follows:

- For pregnant women aged 14 to 18 years: 1.9 mg per day

- For pregnant women aged 19 to 50 years: 1.9 mg per day

It is important to note that these recommendations include the total daily amount, including food sources and supplements. Many prenatal vitamins contain vitamin B6, so it is recommended to check the label and consult your healthcare provider before taking any additional supplements.

Although vitamin B6 intake during pregnancy is generally considered safe, excessive intake may lead to possible side effects. The theme of determining the maximum allowed intake of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is 100 mg per day, as exceeding this amount may lead to nerve damage or sensory neuropathy in some cases.

It is always best to consult a health care provider before starting any new nutritional supplement regimen during pregnancy, as they can assess your individual needs and provide appropriate advice.

**Benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women**

 

Vitamin B6 contributes to strengthening the metabolic process and supports the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, it plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, neurotransmitters and some antibodies.

Vitamin B6 is also an essential element in supporting the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus.

Among the benefits for pregnant women, it helps in reducing the symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting, as it helps in treating the common problems that most women face during pregnancy, especially in the first months.

What are the functions of vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 has many vital functions in the body, the most important of which are:

- Contributes to the metabolism of amino acids resulting from the digestion of proteins.

- It is considered necessary to convert tryptophan amino acid to niacin.

- It plays an important role in the formation of fatty tissues.

- Yosad in employing iron to build hemoglobin.

- Contributes to the production of antibodies in the blood.

- It helps in the transfer of proteins, fats and starches to energy.

- Increases the production of neurotransmitters in the nervous system, such as serotonin, which stimulates the release of dopamine, which is responsible for improving mood.

- Helps in the production of lymph cells.

- It is used in the treatment of nervous and psychological disorders.

What are the benefits of vitamin B6?

- Enhances the absorption of nutritional supplements and medicines, which contributes to the prevention of anemia.

- Strengthens my immune system during the production of lymphoid cells and antibodies.

- Reduces fluid retention in the body.

- Treats hair loss and promotes hair growth, as it contributes to the reduction of inflammation of the oral skin.

- It helps in the treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.

- Reduces the symptoms of our premenstrual syndrome, thanks to its activity in the regulation of hormonal changes during this period.

- Abbreviated morning sickness for pregnant women.

- It prevents the formation of alcoholic stones.

- Helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- I'm sure I have heart disease.

- Reduces the possibility of Alzheimer's disease and improves brain health.

- Strengthens the health of the eyes and prevents diseases and loss of sight.

What are the benefits of vitamin B6?

Eating foods rich in vitamin B6 contributes to many health benefits for the body, including:

**Is vitamin B6 harmful to pregnant women?**

Pregnant women usually need 1.9 mg of vitamin B6 per day, while lactating women need 2 mg per day. However, it is important to adhere to the doctor's instructions and the recommended doses, and avoid consuming large amounts of this vitamin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as this can lead to serious side effects such as loss of sensation in the extremities and nervous disorders. Other possible side effects include loss of balance. The FDA has approved a specific type of vitamin B6 for use during pregnancy, but it should not be used for long periods of time. Pregnant and lactating women must visit the doctor regularly to determine the levels of vitamin B6 and record LDose as needed.

**How ​​to read the results of the analysis of vitamin B6 in the body**

**Interpretation of the results of vitamin B6 analysis**

- If the PLP levels exceed 100 micrograms/liter while the PA levels are 30 micrograms/liter or less, this indicates that the high PLP level is caused by the low level of phosphate in the blood (Hypophosphatemia).

- If the PLP levels are higher than 100 micrograms/liter and PA is 31 micrograms/liter or more, this indicates that the high PLP may be the result of taking nutritional supplements, but there may also be a deficiency in alphosphate.

- If PLP levels are between 51 and 80 µg/L or between 80 and 100 µg/L, and PA is higher than 30 µg/L, or if PLP levels exceed 100 µg/L and PA also exceeds 100 µg/L, this indicates that Elevation of PLP level caused by taking nutritional supplements.

**How ​​to measure the level of vitamin B6 in the body?**

The level of vitamin B6 in the body is measured by taking a breath sample and sending it to the laboratory. It is important to fast before the test, in addition to stopping taking any supplements containing vitamin B6 for 24 hours before the test. The analysis of vitamin B6 includes the comparison of two main components: alpyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and alpyridoxic acid (PA). Alpyridoxal phosphate is considered to be the active form of vitamin B6 in the body, while alpyridoxal acid is the result of the digestion and metabolism of vitamin B6.

The normal value of alpyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is between 20 and 50 micrograms/liter, while the normal value of alpyridoxic acid (PA) is between 3 and 30 micrograms/liter.

What are the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women?

**Nutritional sources of vitamin B6** Although nutritional supplements may be useful, obtaining nutrients from food sources is often the best option. Here are some food sources rich in vitamin B6:

- **Poultry:** Chicken and turkey are considered to be sources rich in vitamin B6.

- **Fish:** Salmon, Altuna, and al-Qad fish are good sources.

- **Potatoes:** Both white and sweet potatoes contain good amounts of vitamin B6.

Hummus: These legumes are rich in protein and contain vitamin B6.

Banana: Eating this well-known fruit is a simple way to increase the consumption of vitamin B6.

Fortified grains: adding B6 vitamins and other B vitamins to many types of iftar grains.

**Milk** One cup of goat's milk contains 5% of the daily requirement of vitamin B6, while low-fat milk contains only 1% of the daily requirement, so it is recommended to drink one cup of milk daily or add it to Iftar cereal.

Also, milk is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is also one of the essential vitamins of the complex vitamin B group.

**Ricotta cheese** Ricotta cheese contains vitamin B6 due to the presence of whey in it. Therefore, ricotta cheese is one of the best sources of vitamin B6.

**Salmon** Salmon is considered to be rich in vitamin B6, as 93 grams of it contain 0.6 milligrams of this vitamin. In addition, salmon is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, grilling, or baking.

**Altuna** Altuna fish contains very high levels of vitamin B6, as it contains 93 grams minus 0.9 milligrams of this vitamin. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a valuable addition to the diet.

**Eggs** The daily recommended supply of eggs is vitamin B6, in addition to containing protein and other nutrients. Eggs are considered an ideal choice for iftar, and can be served as an easy-to-prepare lunch or dinner.

**Chicken Liver** Chicken liver is considered a food rich in nutrients, as it is a great source of protein, folic acid, and vitamin B6.

**Dangers and possible side effects**

Although vitamin B6 is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, it is necessary to be aware of the risks and possible side effects, especially during pregnancy:

- **Nerve damage**: High doses of vitamin B6 (usually more than 200 mg per day) for a long time can lead to nerve damage, which causes symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the extremities.

- **Sensitivity to light**: In rare cases, high doses of vitamin B6 can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight.

- **Interactions with drugs**: Vitamin B6 can interact with some drugs, including some antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Therefore, it is important to inform the health care provider about all the nutritional supplements you are taking. These risks are generally associated with excessive vitamin intake, so it is necessary to adhere to the recommended doses and consult the health care provider before starting any supplement regimen during pregnancy.

Vitamin B6 deficiency during pregnancy

Although vitamin B6 deficiency is rare in developed countries, mild deficiency can occur, especially during pregnancy, when nutritional needs increase. Among the signs that indicate vitamin B6 deficiency:

- Anemia

- Rash

- depression

- Immunity weakness

- confusion

If you are concerned about your vitamin B6 levels, you can consult your health care provider to perform a breath test to assess your condition and provide appropriate recommendations if necessary.