As a mommy-to-be, you have to take a balanced diet for you and your baby. An adequate amount of vitamins and minerals not only help you cope up with the changes happening in your body in pregnancy but they are also beneficial for foetal growth and development. Vitamin B6 which is also known as Pyridoxine is responsible for producing amino acids and metabolising macronutrients such as, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B6 is of utmost importance in performing vital functions, such as blood cell generation to the proper functioning of the brain. Including Vitamin B6 in your diet helps you sail healthily and smoothly through your pregnancy.
Yes, it is not only extraordinarily safe but necessary to take Vitamin B6 during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to take this vitamin from the natural sources, which is from the diet that you eat and not by consuming supplements.
You need Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 during pregnancy because of the following reasons:
Women | Daily requirement of Vitamin B6 |
In Pregnancy | 1.9 mg |
While Breastfeeding | 2.0 mg |
Others (non-pregnant women 19-50 years) | 1.3 mg |
* mg = milligrams
It is crucial for a pregnant woman to consume the required amounts of Vitamin B6; however, it is also advised to monitor any excess intake of this vitamin. Though limited excess amounts do not pose much threat, high levels of Vitamin B6 may lead to numbness, nerve damage and other serious complications.
Here are some food sources of Vitamin B6:
Here are some delicious Vitamin B6 snack ideas:
Though most of your Vitamin B6 requirement in pregnancy is taken care of by the food, you eat. Most pregnancy multivitamins also contain reasonable amounts of Vitamin B6; however, if your health practitioner feels that you need supplements, you will be prescribed the required amounts of supplements. You will be prescribed Vitamin B6 supplements to ward off morning sickness or nausea. It is recommended not to take any Vitamin B6 supplements on your own, since it may lead to various health complications for you and your foetus.
Many reasons cause a deficiency of Vitamin B6 in your body. Though the deficiency is generally milder in non-pregnant women, it may reach alarming levels in pregnancy due to your body’s increased demand for Vitamin B6. The most common cause of the deficiency is not getting adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 from your diet, however, increased consumption of processed foods, sugary foods or alcohol may lead to this deficiency also. Some health conditions or illnesses may also lead to a deficiency of Vitamin B6. You need adequate amounts of pyridoxine hydrochloride during pregnancy, and in case you have a deficiency of this vitamin in your body, you may notice the following symptoms:
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advised to seek immediate medical help. Prompt action and assistance in dealing with Vitamin B6 deficiency may not cause severe complications for you or your baby.
Taking care of your health in pregnancy is of utmost priority, and this includes consuming right kind of diet. Vitamin B6 is an essential element of your diet. In case you feel that you may not be drinking adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 in your pregnancy, you may get in touch with a doctor and know how to add this wondrous vitamin efficiently in your diet.