How To

How to Best Absorb Vitamin B-6 Supplements

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Vitamin B6 is one of the B-complex vitamins, is water soluble, and is involved in more of your body's functions than almost any other nutrient. It is essential for the immune and nervous systems, and can help relieve symptoms of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin B-6
  1. Step 1

    Take a B-complex supplement that includes all B vitamins. They work best together.

  2. Step 2

    Supplement with a single B6 only if you need it for a particular health problem. The dose should not be more than three times that of the other B vitamins, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

  3. Step 3

    Take the B6 alone if you are taking a separate supplement. Take the rest of the B complex at a later time.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid taking doses higher than 50 mg per day unless otherwise directed by your healthcare practitioner. Higher doses can cause nerve damage.

  5. Step 5

    Check your prescription drugs. Estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives and antidepressants may increase your body's need for B6. Cortisone and diuretics can block absorption of B6.

Tips & Warnings
  • Best food sources are rice, fish, nuts, bananas and watermelon.
  • The recommended dose for a healthy adult is 100 to 200 mg per day.
  • If you are taking prescription medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist
  • before taking supplements.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The recommended dietary allowance for B-6 is only 1-2 mg per day. Not 100 - 200 mg per day.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I was recently diagnosed with nerve damage that has been linked to taking B-6 long term. I had been taking 150 mg per day.

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