There are 8 types of B vitamins which are known as B complex vitamins. Among the eight types of B vitamins, vitamin B6 plays a very important role in maintaining the health of pregnant women and the fetus. Let's learn more about vitamin B6 and its benefits for pregnant women.

Vitamin B6 is a type of vitamin that is a water-soluble vitamin. The function of vitamin B6 is to convert proteins into amino acids and to digest carbohydrates and fats so that the body can obtain nutrients and energy.

Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in supporting the production of red blood cells and maintaining brain and nerve health. In pregnant women, vitamin B6 is helpful in the formation of body organs and fetal growth and development, prevents anemia during pregnancy, and increases energy.

Benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women

Here is a list of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women:

1.relieves nausea

One of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women is to relieve nausea due to morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting are very common pregnancy symptoms in pregnant women.

This complaint is often felt during the first trimester, but pregnant women in the middle of the second or third trimester may experience it.

2. Support the growth of the brain and fetal nerves

Vitamin B6 is not only beneficial for the health of pregnant women but also plays a major role in the formation and development of fetal nerves and the brain. With the adequate intake of vitamin B6, the fetus can grow and develop normally and has a lower risk of developing developmental disorders.

3. Prevent preeclampsia

Lack of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can increase the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to always meet the need for vitamin B6 to avoid this and indirectly help prevent premature births.

However, more research is still needed to determine the link between vitamin B6 in the prevention of preeclampsia.

4. Prevent fetuses born with low body weight

A low birth weight (LBW) is a condition for babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams. LBW is one of the leading causes of health problems and death in newborns.

Malnutrition or a lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy, such as protein, carbohydrates, or vitamins, including vitamin B6, is one of the factors that can increase the risk of a baby being born low weight. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to always respect their vitamin B6 intake.


5. Maintain blood sugar

Consuming vitamin B6 is known to maintain normal blood sugar levels. One of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women, especially pregnant women who have gestational diabetes, is to control and prevent a rise in blood sugar.

The need for vitamin B6 for pregnant women

The amount of vitamin B6 required for pregnant women is approximately 1.8 to 2 mg per day. However, for pregnant women who have certain complaints, such as frequent nausea or being underweight, vitamin B6 intake may need to be higher.

Vitamin B6 can be obtained naturally from the following foods:

  • Seeds, such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds
  • Nuts, such as peanuts, soybeans, chickpeas, and cashews
  • Fish liver, meat and beef
  • Fruits, such as bananas, pumpkin, prunes, watermelon, and avocado
  • Vegetables, including spinach, potatoes, and onions

Besides foods rich in vitamin B6, vitamin B6 intake for pregnant women can also be obtained through supplements. Vitamin B6 supplements are usually prescribed by doctors if pregnant women experience severe nausea or if it is difficult to meet vitamin B6 intake from food.

If you want to use vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a doctor first so that he can determine the dosage.

Avoid taking vitamin B6 supplements without a doctor's instructions as there is a risk of causing excess vitamin B6. This can cause pregnant women to complain of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

The health of pregnant women must be maintained with nutritional support.