Vitamin B6

Forms:  Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine

Sources:  Chicken, fish, legumes, whole wheat, bananas

RDA:  2 mg for adults

Description:  Vitamin B6 is involved in the decarboxylation of amino acids to make glucose.  Also, it is needed for the synthesis of serotonin and in the manufacture of hemoglobin.  In addition, vitamin B6 is needed for the metabolism of glucose and for proper immune function.  A vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, depressed immunity, and poor glucose metabolism along with many other problems.  Toxicity symptoms can surface if vitamin B6 is taken at dosages above 100 mg/day (50 times RDA).