Bloating may not typically be a serious problem, but it can be uncomfortable and accompany other types of abdominal upset. Vitamin B6 is an essential dietary nutrient, but it is not likely to result in bloating unless you consume it in supplement form, as this can cause stomach problems. Talk to your doctor about your B6 intake and bloating concerns, and she can help you determine the correct course of action.
RDA and Food Sources
If you are a healthy adult under the age of 50, you need 1.3 mg of vitamin B6 a day, according to both the University of Maryland Medical Center and MedlinePlus. Once men pass 50, their recommended dietary allowance or RDA increases to 1.7 mg, and it increases to 1.5 mg for women over 50. You can meet your RDA by consuming a balanced diet that includes foods rich in B6, such as turkey, sunflower seeds, carrots and brown rice. By eating these and other foods, you should not need to take the B6 supplements that may cause bloating. But if you do not meet your needs through diet, your doctor may recommend a supplement.
Supplements and How to Take Them
Always talk to your doctor before taking new vitamin supplements as they can interact with medications. Taking your B6 supplement with water and after you consume a meal can help lower your risk of the common side effects, which include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and the bloating that may accompany these. If you experience adverse side effects from your supplements, tell your doctor. He may lower your dosage or have additional suggestions for ways to relieve your symptoms.
Other Causes of Bloating
Bloating is more likely a result of factors other than consuming B6. Common causes of bloating and gas include eating high-fat foods, stress, smoking, anxiety, a gastrointestinal infection or a condition like lactose intolerance. Additionally, some foods that are rich in B6, such as beans, may be more likely to cause bloating. Eliminating these foods from your diet may reduce your symptoms, but be sure to eat other B6-containing foods to meet the RDA.
Additional Considerations
Excess intake of B6 supplements can result in a loss of sensation in your legs, imbalance and other neurological problems. However, a deficiency in this vitamin, while rare, can lead to confusion, depression and mouth sores. If you need to take a B6 supplement but it is causing you to bloat, tell your doctor before you stop taking it. Similarly, if you experience symptoms of a B6 overdose, seek medical attention. If your bloating is accompanied by changes in your bowel habits or abdominal pain, let your health care provider know about this as well.
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