Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy

Abstract

A vitamin B6 deficiency develops during pregnancy and contributing factors include: a disturbance in vitamin B6 metabolism caused by increasing levels of oestrogens; increasing fetal demand for vitamin B6; a disturbance in vitamin B6 status caused by oral contraceptive usage prior to conception; a deficient intake of vitamin B6. Hormonal changes and increasing fetal requirements impose considerable stress on maternal vitamin B6 status but are the inevitable consequences of pregnancy. In contrast, longterm use of oral contraceptives before pregnancy and an inadequate vitamin B6 intake, both prior to and during pregnancy, are potentially avoidable. Dietary intakes of vitamin B6 in many women fall well below the recommended 1.5–2.0mg/day before pregnancy and 2.5mg/day during pregnancy. Although supplementation with synthetic vitamin B6 is advocated by many, much greater emphasis should also be placed on a wholesome, healthy diet. Examples are given of foods high and low in vitamin B6 and of a daily diet providing 2.5mg of vitamin B6.