Vitamin B-6, also referred to as pyridoxine, and niacinamide, also referred to as vitamin B-3, are water-soluble nutrients the body needs. The body does not store excessive amounts of vitamin B-3 or B-6, so an adequate dietary intake of the vitamin each day is necessary to sustain levels of the nutrient. Supplemental forms of the vitamins may help treat certain medical conditions. Always consult a health care professional before taking vitamin supplements.
Functions
Vitamin B-6 helps to produce antibodies for the immune system to assist with fighting diseases. It also helps to form red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues in the body. The nutrient helps to break down proteins in the body. The B-6 found in meat products will help the body metabolize the protein found in the same food. Niacinamide works to maintain healthy cells in the body and helps to regulate fats and sugars.
Foods with B-6 and Niacinamide
Vitamin B-6 and niacinamide are available in a variety of foods and are often together in the same food. Animal products such as meat, eggs and fish contain both of the necessary B vitamins. Manufacturers of breakfast cereals often fortify the products with the vitamins.
Deficiency Symptoms
A deficiency of vitamin B-6 and nicinamide may cause medical problems. Symptoms of a vitamin B-6 deficiency include a reddened tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth, a scaly rash, seizures and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. A vitamin B-3 deficiency may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, depression and dementia. Vitamin B-6 may also cause anemia.
Supplemental Uses
Supplemental forms of niacinamide can help treat niacin deficiency. Taking supplemental doses of niacinamide may help to treat osteoarthritis. Manufacturers of skin care products such as rosacea treatments, anti-aging products and moisturizers may include niacinamide, according to MayoClinic.com. A niacinamide supplement may also help to prevent diabetes or reduce the need for insulin therapy. Niacinamide may lower high levels of phosphate in the body.
Supplemental uses of vitamin B-6 include treating a deficiency in the nutrient from alcoholism, medications that deplete B-6 or a diet low in the vitamin. Large doses of vitamin B-6 may help to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve damage and premenstrual syndrome, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Considerations
Excessive amounts of vitamin B-6 may cause numbness and pain in the lower extremities, and a person with excessive vitamin B-6 may not have the ability to tell the positioning of their extremities or feel vibration. Serious side effects from taking nicacinamide may occur and include liver problems and irregular heartbeat. Signs and symptoms of liver problems include pain in the upper right area of the abdomen, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools and nausea.
Member Comments