DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am an 82-year-old lady who wants to praise the vitamin B6 that I take daily. A year ago the fingers of my right hand were numb and I had a terrible time picking up small objects. My son said a friend had a wrist problem and after taking B6 it went away. I tried it and my fingers are just fine. I’ve been clear for over a year now.
DEAR READER:
Vitamin B6 is an extremely important water soluble vitamin required for more than 100 enzymes associated with protein metabolism. Our nervous and immune systems require the vitamin to function properly, it helps make hemoglobin and is needed for the conversion of an amino acid known as tryptophan to niacin within the body. It helps maintain blood sugars and convert stored carbohydrates and other nutrients to sugar when inadequate calories are consumed.
B6 is found in many foods, including fortified breakfast cereals, salmon, tuna, pork, chicken, peanut butter, beans, bananas, and many vegetables. In fact, ¾ cup of fortified breakfast cereal alone contains 100% of the recommended daily allowance. Therefore, a proper B6 balance in the system is most often found through diet alone
Deficiency is rarely seen but can occur in individuals who have extremely poor diets. Signs include depression, confusion, glossitis (painful tongue), and dermatitis. Since some of the symptoms mentioned can also result from medical conditions unrelated to a B6 deficiency, any issues should be discussed with a physician to determine the cause and the most appropriate medical care to be administered.
Alcoholics and older adults are more likely to have inadequate B6 intake because of their limited dietary intake. Alcohol can also lead to the destruction of B6 within the body.
Some controversy surrounds B6 therapy. For example, the vitamin has been used for a number of years for carpal tunnel syndrome, even though there are no scientific studies available to indicate its effectiveness. Amounts of 100 mg per day are the upper tolerable limit recommended for adults.
It has been used for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), despite any known evidence to support significant benefits with its use. In fact, one study found that neuropathy (nerve damage) was present in almost 40% of those tested who took B6 for PMS. Oddly enough, this could be the result of too much B6 present in the system.
It would appear you are adequately controlled with your daily supplement. I would recommend you not rock the boat by making any changes, but would suggest you have your levels tested on a periodic basis. Your physician can monitor your numbers and make appropriate recommendations if necessary.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fads: Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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