Health and Fitness

Vitamins what they do and why you need them

All the vitamins with an explanation of why you need them, recommended amounts and deficiency symptoms.

Vitamin A For healthy eyesight amongst other things.
Vitamin B1 Thiamine A water soluble Vitamin.
Vitamin B2 Plays a major role in the process of cellular oxidation.
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine One of the most important vitamins among the Vitamin B complex.
Vitamin B12 Helps in the synthesis of DNA.
Vitamin C The most famous vitamin, found in oranges amongst other things.
Vitamin D For strong bones.
Vitamin E Tocopherol a natural antioxidant.
Vitamin K Helps blood clot.
Niacin Essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, skin, and intestines.
Pantothenic acid An organic acid that serves many physiological functions.

All the above Vitamins help make up a healthy balanced diet.

Why you need Vitamin B6 in your diet

Vitamin B₆ or Pyridoxine is one of the most important vitamins among the Vitamin B complex. It generally exists in three different forms. They are pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B₆ plays a very important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids.

Dietary sources

Vitamin B₆ is widely distributed in different types of foods. Generally a well balanced diet is a good source of this vitamin. Foods like fish, meat, liver, egg yolk, milk, whole grain cereals, vegetables, pulses and legumes all are good sources that provide the necessary amount of the Vitamin B₆ required by the body.

Deficiency disorders

Vitamin B₆ deficiency is associated with a disturbing ailment called the peripheral neuritis. The deficiency of this vitamin is almost always associated with the deficiency of other B complex vitamins mainly riboflavin. The deficiency of Vitamin B₂ or riboflavin in the body hampers the proper utilization of vitamin B6 in the body.  Also some drugs act as antagonist to Vitamin B₆. For instance, INH is a potent anti tubercular drug and it is a recognized antagonist to Vitamin B₆. Therefore the patients receiving this anti tuberculosis preparation are often given supplements of this vitamin. However, deficiency disorders of pyridoxine are rare if one takes a with a well balanced diet.

Daily recommended allowance

Daily allowance may vary directly with the protein intake of an individual.