A balanced diet is a prerequisite for maintaining good health during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when the body needs minerals and vitamins to function properly and stay healthy. Like all other vitamins, Vitamin B6 is important for a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, produces amino acids and helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It even helps in creating red blood cells. Vitamin B6 during pregnancy is important for the developing brain of the baby and even the nervous system. Prenatal vitamins help to obtain this vitamin.
Some research states that this Vitamin even helps in relieving morning sickness. Vomiting during pregnancy and nausea are also treated with Vitamin B6. The doses are higher than given otherwise. It is very important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements though. Studies also indicate that a large dosage of Vitamin B6 in the first trimester of pregnancy has shown risks of malformations, low birth weight and miscarriages etc. So, we see that Vitamin B6 is important for pregnancy as well as has its side effects as well. Let us study a few postulates of Vitamin B6 and get a better understanding of the same.
In This Article
- What is Vitamin B6?
- Why is Vitamin B6 Necessary During Pregnancy?
- How Much Vitamin B6 is Optimal During Pregnancy?
- What Foods Are Rich in Vitamin B6?
- Are Vitamin B6 Supplements Required During Pregnancy?
- Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
- FAQ’s
What is Vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is a vitamin that is soluble in water and is a part of the Vitamin B complex group. As it comprises six vitamers, it is given the name Vitamin B6. The six vitamers are alcohol, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine and aldehyde.
A healthy and well-balanced pregnancy diet helps in obtaining this nutrient. Vitamin B6 is important for the functioning of the body and maintaining the health of the nerves, skin, and red blood cells.
Why is Vitamin B6 Necessary During Pregnancy?
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is important for the developing brain of the baby and good for the nervous system. It even helps in metabolizing carbohydrates and proteins. It helps in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is an important vitamin for the body. The body can store and use energy from proteins and carbohydrates available in foods. This also means it helps in turning the food into energy required for the baby!
Some of the benefits of Vitamin B6 during pregnancy diet are as follows.
- Vitamin B6 helps in relieving vomiting and nausea.
- It helps to regulate the blood sugar levels in the body.
- This vitamin helps in boosting the nervous system as well as the baby’s brain development.
- It aids in metabolizing the protein and carbohydrates in the body.
- This vitamin helps in the generation of red blood cells and the antibodies in the body.
- It helps in making the immune system stronger
- Vitamin B6 acts as a mood regulator and reduces the chances of depression.
- It helps to prevent the low birth weight of babies and early childhood skin problems like eczema.
How Much Vitamin B6 is Optimal During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women must be careful to not consume more than the recommended dose. For pregnant women, the optimal recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 stands at 1.9 milligrams daily. Having excess Vitamin B6 during pregnancy can lead to damage to the nervous system, numbness, etc. The requirement of Vitamin B6 is more for breastfeeding mothers and the ones who are pregnant and is at 2.0 mg daily
What Foods Are Rich in Vitamin B6?
The body cannot produce Vitamin B6, so it can be obtained from the pregnancy diet or prenatal supplements. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 and are good sources for obtaining this vitamin are:
- Cereals and whole wheat grains
- Fruits like bananas and papayas
- Nuts and seeds, such as hazelnuts and cashew nuts
- Lentils like kidney beans and chickpeas
- Chicken and Turkey
- Tuna and Salmon
- Fortified foods like bread and breakfast cereals
- Leafy vegetables like spinach
- Dried fruits like prunes and apricots
- Lean pork, meat, and beef
- Starchy vegetables
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Beans like kidney beans, chickpeas and soybean
- Boiled potatoes
- Wholegrain wheat and breakfast fortified cereals
- Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, and prunes
- Water Chestnuts
Are Vitamin B6 Supplements Required During Pregnancy?
For most healthy pregnant women, a balanced diet with prenatal supplements will be enough to meet the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin B6. Since this vitamin is vital for a healthy pregnancy and proper fetal development, every pregnant woman should ensure that she has adequate intake of this vitamin through her diet and supplements.
For some pregnant women suffering from extreme morning sickness, gynaecologists or consulting medical practitioners may recommend special medications with B6 to reduce nausea and vomiting. However, it is essential to understand that these medications must be taken under the strict guidance of a doctor. Never self-medicate, especially when pregnant.
Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
The deficiency of Vitamin B6 in the body can lead to many health issues. Not getting adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 from the diet and high consumption of alcohol, sugary foods or processed foods can even result in a deficiency of Vitamin B6.
It is normal for a person to have a slight deficiency of Vitamin B6 but during pregnancy, the demand for this vitamin rises and must be compensated for through diet and supplements.
Some of the conditions and symptoms that can occur due to deficiency of B6 include
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Mood swings and depression
- Neurological degeneration
- Inflammation of skin, joints, and the digestive system.
- Anaemia
- Depression
- Ulcers,
- Sores and ulcers on the tongue
Any of the above symptoms must be immediately taken to the notice of the doctor. If prompt action is not taken, it can lead to severe complications for the mother and the baby.
Pregnancy is a crucial time, and it is very important for the mother to take very good care of her health. A healthy and balanced diet plays a key role in the same. It is also vital to take all minerals and vitamins in the recommended dosage and under the guidance of the doctor. If in excess or without consultation it can end up in severe consequences for the mother and the baby.
FAQ’s
1. Can Excess of Vitamin B6 Cause Birth Defects?
No, research studies show that excess vitamin B6 is not associated with any birth defects or any malformations in the fetus.
2. What Does Vitamin B6 do For The Fetus?
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the development of the brain in the nervous system in the fetus. It also aids in the effective metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins in the fetus.
3. Can Vitamin B6 Deficiency Cause Tingling in The Feet?
Having an Insufficient amount of vitamin B6 can damage the nervous system, resulting in burning sensation and pain in the feet or hands. This indicates a deficiency of Vitamin B6.
4. What Are The Different Forms of Vitamin B6 Dietary Supplements?
Dietary supplements and vitamin B6 supplements are available in tablets or in the form of capsules. They can be either chewable tablets or in the form of liquids.
