Pryidoxine Acid

Also known as Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine make up the vitamin B6 group. They all combine with phosphorus in the body to form the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate, which is necessary in the metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids. The best sources of B6 vitamins are liver and other organ meats, corn, whole-grain cereal, and seeds. Deficiency can result in central nervous system disturbances (e.g., convulsions in infants) due to the role of B6 in serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis. More generally the effects of deficiency include inadequate growth or weight loss and anemia due to the role of B6 in the manufacture of hemoglobin . The recommended dietary allowance for adults is 2.0 to 2.2 mg for men and 2 mg for women. Additional doses are required in pregnancy and by those taking oral contraceptives or the tuberculosis drug izoniazid. Severe nerve damage has been reported from megadoses.

Functions:

• Essential for the production and proper function of red blood cells and antibodies
• Required for the proper absorption of Vitamin B12
• Proper function of nerves
• Coenzyme in amino acid metabolism
• Transamination
• Decarboxylation
• Transsulfuration
• Amino acid transport
• Tryptophane synthetase
• Aids in maintaining hormone balance
• Healthy gums
• Healthy teeth
• Healthy blood vessels

Deficiency symptoms:

• Cheilosis
• Glossitis
• Stomatitis
• Nervous problems
• Irritability
• Muscular twitching
• Confusion
• Depression
• Infantile convulsions
• Skin problems
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Kidney stones

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is part of a group of vitamins called B complex. There are eight B vitamins all together and they were at one time thought to be just one vitamin. Research has shown that they are indeed all slightly different in structure.

The other seven B vitamins that make up B Complex are:

• B12
• Folic acid
• Riboflavin
• Biotin
• Pantothenic Acid
• Niacin
• Thiamine

They share similar characteristics; they are all water-soluble, they are all essential in enabling the body to use energy from food and they are all vital for the production of normal tissue.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, it is commonly used in the form of pyridoxine, although it does come in two other chemically related forms. Pyridoxine is the form used in vitamin supplements and this form is also added to enriched and fortified foods.

Where is it found?

This vitamin is widely available in our diets with high concentrations found in chicken, liver, kidneys, pork, eggs and fish. If you prefer to get this vitamin from non-animal food sources then you will find it in soybeans, brown rice, oats, whole-wheat products, peanuts and walnuts, oranges, bananas, potatoes and many more foods besides. B6 is added to breakfast cereals.

Why is it needed and what happens if you are deficient?

Firstly, you will find that the B complex vitamins have a major part to play in metabolising carbohydrates. They are part of the biochemical processes that result in the release of energy from food. The carbohydrates we take in as fuel have to be converted into a useable form, this occurs though a complex chemical reaction involving oxygen.

• Metabolism of carbohydrates:
  Incomplete metabolism of carbohydrates can occur when you are deficient in B6 resulting in a build-up of toxins.
• Formation of haemoglobin:
  Deficiency can lead to anaemia.
• Lowered resistance to infection:
  Deficiencies depress the immune system by reducing the amount of white blood cells and also affecting their ability to recognise particular types of disease.
• Nervous system:
  Serotonin is a very important brain neurotransmitter which has many important physiological functions. B6 is necessary if the body is to successfully convert tryptophan (a constituent of protein) into serotonin. It is therefore essential in the regulation of mental processes and could have an effect on moods. This is why you will find concentrations of B6 up to0 times higher in the brain than in the blood.

Other signs of deficiency:

Inflamed lips, tongue and mouth, sleepiness, nerve problems in hands and feet, reduced resistance to infection, weakness.

A deficiency in the B6 usually indicates a deficiency in the other B vitamins.

What conditions has it been used to treat?

Beri beri is treated with B1. It has been used to boost low spirits and boost memory in those with Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown to prevent memory loss in the elderly.

Primary:

• Autism
• Coeliac disease (if deficient)
• Depression
• High homocysteine
• Kidney stones
• Morning sickness
• PMS
• Recovering alcoholics are often encouraged to take this vitamin and other B vitamins in order to regain normal psychological and neurological function.

Secondary:

• Asthma
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Canker sores
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

How much is normally taken?

10-25 mg a day, up to 200-500 mg per day for certain conditions.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?

Very rarely are there side effects associated with B6, however, you may experience problems if you take this vitamin at very high levels (over 200g per day) over an extended period of time problems may include sensory nerve damage resulting in numbness in hands and feet.

Pregnant or lactating women should not take doses over 100 mg per day.