Healing from surgery can be challenging and draining if you don't consume adequate nutrients. Vitamin B-6 is one of several important water-soluble B vitamins that has an array of functions essential for optimal health. This vitamin is especially important before and after surgery since it plays a role in red blood cell function and oxygen transport, as well as several other functions. While you should get enough vitamin B-6 from your diet, your physician may suggest taking a supplement or multivitamin containing vitamin B-6 to assist with your healing process.
What It Does
More than 100 enzymes throughout your body rely on vitamin B-6 for protein metabolism, meaning it helps break down and use protein from the foods you consume. Normal protein metabolism is an important part of your surgery recovery since protein is essential for wound healing and making new, elastic skin. One of the proteins made from B-6 is hemoglobin, a pigment of red blood cells that transports oxygen to cells and tissues so they can properly function and heal.
Effects on Your Immune System
For you to recover quickly after surgery, your immune system needs to function at its best. Your lymphoid system, including the spleen and lymph nodes, needs vitamin B-6 to help make white blood cells. These cells travel through your body in the blood, fighting off infections and eliminating foreign bacteria. You need adequate amounts of vitamin B-6 to maintain and boost your immune system.
Proper Dosage
Since vitamin B-6 plays so many important roles that are beneficial for healing after surgery, ensure that you ingest the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, each day. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, you need 1.3 mg of B-6 each day as a healthy adult. Women over 50 require 1.5 mg, while men over 50 need as much as 1.7 mg. Your doctor may suggest taking higher doses before or after surgery to speed up your recovery process.
B-6 Deficiency
While a B-6 deficiency is rare in the United States, some people may have a higher risk. Research published in the "Obesity Surgery" journal in 2011 concludes that nutritional deficiencies, including B-6 deficiencies, are common among obese populations that are candidates are bariatric surgery, specifically among obese Spanish adults. Normal weight individuals are less likely to have a vitamin B-6 deficiency. Signs of a deficiency include dermatitis, depression, confusion and convulsions. Since your diet may be limited before or after surgery, you may have a greater risk of deficiency.
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