Safety of Vitamin B-6 During Pregnancy

Vitamin B-6, also referred to as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble essential nutrient that performs a wide variety of functions in your body. During pregnancy, vitamin B-6 helps your body metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates for energy production and metabolism. Vitamin B-6 is also vital in the formation of red blood cells, antibodies and neurotransmitters in your brain, and is considered essential for the proper development of your fetus's brain and nervous system. As with all nutritional issues, consult your physician before supplementing with vitamin B-6, especially if you are nursing or pregnant.

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Recommended Intake

Vitamin B-6 supplements are generally regarded as safe when used within the recommended guidelines. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, pregnant women should consume about 1.9 mg of vitamin B-6 per day and breast-feeding women just a little more, about 2.0 mg per day, for optimal healthand wellness. In addition to vitamin B-6 supplements, many other foods are natural sources of this essential vitamin, including potatoes, chickpeas, prunes, salmon, pork, chicken, spinach, bananas, brown rice, avocados, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts.

Deficiency

One of the main purposes of supplementing with additional vitamin B-6 during pregnancy is to prevent a deficiency. A vitamin B-6 deficiency is somewhat rare, but can occur due to low dietary intake of foods high in nutrients as well as an impaired metabolism, which may prevent the proper absorption of vitamins and minerals. Symptoms of a vitamin B-6 deficiency include irritability, depression, confusion, inflammation of your tongue, sores or ulcers on your mouth and ulcers on your skin and face. According to the babycare.com website, pregnant women are also at risk of developing anemia, or a low red blood cell count, with a vitamin B-6 deficiency.

Toxicity

Vitamin B-6 is water-soluble, which means that if your body obtains more of the vitamin than it needs, the excess will be excreted through your urine. However, long-term supplementation with high doses of vitamin B-6 may result in painful neurological symptoms called sensory neuropathy. Other symptoms associated with high levels of vitamin B-6 include pain and numbness in your arms and legs and, in some cases, difficulty walking. Generally these symptoms occur only when taking over 100 mg of vitamin B-6 daily for extended periods of time, well above the recommended daily intake during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Vitamin B-6 may inhibit the absorption or function of some drugs and medications, especially while you are pregnant, causing possible adverse effects when taken concurrently. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, drugs such as cycloserine, hydralazine, isonaizid, penicillamine, theophylline, erythropoetin, levodopa, phentoin and all antibiotics may be affected by B-6 supplementation. Some antidepressant medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may reduce blood levels of vitamin B-6. Consult with your physician if you are on any medications before taking a vitamin B-6 supplement.

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