Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that you require in your diet. It plays a role in many enzymatic reactions in your body, among them those that involve glucose metabolism as well as the synthesis of neurotransmitters and blood cells. Human requirements for B-6 rise from infancy to adulthood, and are highest during pregnancy and lactation.
Morning Sickness
Since the 1940s, vitamin B-6 has been used as a treatment for morning sickness, the nausea and vomiting common in early pregnancy. Studies have shown that B-6 in levels from 10 mg every eight hours for three days or 25 mg every eight hours for five days may ease symptoms, although morning sickness usually naturally fades during the course of a pregnancy. The recommended dose in pregnancy is 1.9 mg daily, compared to 1.3 to 1.7 mg daily for adults in general.
Nerve Compression
Vitamin B-6 may also help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome, a problem that may occur during pregnancy. Swelling and inflammation of soft tissue increases pressure on a nerve in the wrist and causes numbness and pain in the palm and fingers. While early studies appeared to show that B-6 helped ease the symptoms, later studies have not supported those findings or shown that B-6 deficiency is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Overdose
Mild B-6 deficiencies do not appear to be problematic in pregnancy. B-6 supplementation is considered safe if you don't take more than 100 mg a day. Signs of overdose and toxicity include numbness and burning in the hands, feet and around the mouth. These symptoms are reversible if you stop taking B-6, but long-term use may cause permanent damage. In addition, high doses may cause seizures in newborn babies. Consult your physician if you want to take B-6 during pregnancy.
Diet
Many foods contain vitamin B-6. Dietary sources include meat, fish, grains, nuts, legumes, beans, fruits and vegetables. Dietary intake averages about 1.5 mg a day for women. While few Americans ever develop symptoms of B-6 deficiency, it is known to cause a form of anemia. Your body uses B-6 to make the hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells throughout your body.
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