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Vitamin B-6 is a family of water-soluble compounds that includes
pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. This family is involved in the
manufacture of most protein-related compounds, such as hormones,
hemoglobin, neurotransmitters and many enzymes. In addition, it is needed
by the body for making amino acids (the building blocks of protein), the
formation of prostaglandins, and the conversion of the amino acid
tryptophan to the B-vitamin niacin. Pregnant women frequently have low
blood levels of vitamin B6, possibly because of the developing infant's
increased need for the vitamin. Supplementation is often recommended as a
symptomatic treatment for vomiting, nausea, lethargy, fatigue, and
depression in affected women.
Research has shown that pyridoxine supplementation may promote a
healthy immune system in the developing fetus. It is thought to be
involved with the transfer of certain immune factors to the fetus while it
is still in the womb and via milk to the breastfed infant. A recent study
has shown that the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) transferred from
mother to unborn baby is dependent on the mother having adequate vitamin
B6 levels herself. Thus, maternal vitamin B6 status during pregnancy
likely affects the protection against infection that the mother transfers
to the fetus during pregnancy and to the baby during breast-feeding. These
bacteria-fighting factors may be of major importance for the infant's
defense against infection, particularly in areas that have a high risk of
infection.
The vitamin B6 concentration in human milk is influenced by the
mother's vitamin B6 intake and nutritional status. When mothers are
supplemented during nursing, the vitamin B6 intakes of breast-fed infants
reflect the amount of their mother's supplement. There are also growth
advantages for infants when mothers receive pyridoxine supplementation
during lactation. This supplementation appears to be very safe. Doses of
vitamin B6 over 100 times the U.S. RDA of 2 mg/day have been used in the
treatment of certain conditions, without reports of adverse effects.
However, in the pregnant women, daily intake should probably not exceed 20
mg in the last trimester; higher doses may shut off breast milk
production. In fact, there are few indications for using levels above 5 mg
per day. Supplementation should also continue during lactation if
commenced during pregnancy. Higher doses are sometimes recommended during
the first trimester to help manage nausea and vomiting. The National
Academy of Sciences recommends vitamin B-6 supplementation of 2 mg per day
for women carrying multiple fetuses, for pregnant adolescents, and for
pregnant substance abusers. A women who is considering supplementation
should speak with her health care provider. Other B vitamins are also
important during pregnancy. For instance, riboflavin deficiency is common
during pregnancy although it has yet to be associated with any specific
health threat. Niacin and thiamin supplementation during the first
trimester of pregnancy may improve infant size and birth weight. These
benefits are not apparent when supplementation is only provided during the
second and third trimesters. Folic
acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin,
niacin,
and thiamin are commonly found in nutritional supplements designed for
pregnant and lactating women. The National Academy of Sciences recommends
supplements of 2.0 mcg vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) for complete vegetarians
that are pregnant. Complete vegetarian women who are considering pregnancy
or who are currently pregnant should discuss supplementation with their
health care provider.
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. This information is offered to you with the
understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. All
medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care
provider.
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