|
|
|
|
|
 Vitamin B6 is a group of three related compounds: pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxal (PL) and pyridoxamine (PM), and their phosphorylated derivatives, pyridoxine 5'-phosphate (PNP), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP). These six vitamers make up vitamin B6; however vitamin B6 is often used to refer to the vitamer pyridoxine. In the main form of the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, vitamin B6 participates in various biochemical reactions such as the synthesis of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the metabolism of glycogen and amino acids, and the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemogloblin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids.
Amino acids, the building blocks for proteins and various hormones, are processed by vitamin B6. The vitamin is responsible for making and taking various amino acids apart. Vitamin B6 is also used to make dopamine, hormones, melatonin, and serotonin.
Vitamin B6 is a nutrient needed to help regulate mood and mental processes. This is because it helps form several neurotransmitters.
Along with vitamin B12 and folic acid, vitamin B6 helps to control homocysteine levels. High levels of this amino acid have been linked to diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke.
Vitamin B6 has been used in people with the following health problems:
- Anemia (if deficient and for genetic vitamin B6-responsive anemia)
- Autism
- Depression(in women taking oral contraceptives)
- High homocysteine (in combination with folic acid and vitamin B12)
- Morning sickness
- Premenstrual syndrome
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Deficiencies of vitamin B6 are uncommon. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause mental confusion, impaired immunity, and skin lesions. Deficiencies are most often found in women using oral contraceptives, alcoholics, those with chronic fatigue syndrome, and kidney failure patients. Experts think that normal diets generally do not provide good enough amounts of this vitamin.
Suggested Dosage
Normal supplementation is 10-25 mg daily. As high as 100-200 mg might be recommended for treating certain problems.
See top ratings for Vitamin B6 brands at NutritionalTree.com
Learn more about choosing and buying vitamin supplements online.
Supporting Literature
Nabbout R, Soufflet C, Plouin P, Dulac O. Pyridoxine dependent epilepsy: a suggestive electroclinical pattern. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1999;81:F125–128.
Makoff R. Vitamin replacement therapy in renal failure patients. Miner Electrolyte Metab 1999;25:349–350.
Parry G, Bredesen DE. Sensory neuropath with low-dose pyridoxine. Neurology 1985;35:1466–1468.
Rao RH, Vigg BL, Rao KSJ. Failure of pyridoxine to improve glucose tolerance in diabetics. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1980;50:198–200.
Spellacy WN, Buhi WC, Birk SA. Vitamin B6 treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1977;127:599–602.
|
|
|
