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Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble Vitamin that is also called pyridoxine. It is largely part of the process to make serotonin and norepinephrine [Neurotransmitters], which are chemicals that transmit signals in the Brain.

Vitamin B6 is also involved in the formation of myelin, a protein layer that forms around nerve cells. Vitamin B6 is currently or has been studied for the treatment of many conditions:

Possible Areas of Benefit

1.)  Anemia (low amounts of healthy red blood cells)

2.)  Vitamin B6 deficiency

3.)  Certain seizures in newborns

4.)  Side effects of the drug cycloserine

5.)  And more

There is more than one type of this vitamin – however, their structures are very similar.

Seven forms are seen

1.)  Pyridoxal
2.)  Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate
3.)  Pyridoxine
4.)  Pyridoxine 5′-phosphate
5.)  Pyridoxamine
6.)  Pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate
7.)  4-pyridoxic acid

Food Sources

  –  Meats
  –  Whole grains
  –  Many vegetables
  –  Nuts

Functions

  –  Pyridoxal phosphate is an active form of B6
  –  Macronutrient synthesis and metabolism
  –  Histamine production
  –  Neurotransmitter production
  –  Coenzymes
  –  Amino Acid Metabolism
  –  Gluconeogenesis – which is the production of glucose from a non-carbohydrate
  –  Productions of lipids
*** – when cooking or processing a large amount of vitamin is loss – sometimes more than 50%

Deficiencies

  –  Seborrhoeic dermatitis
  –  Cracks in lips
  –  Confusion
  –  Nerve pain
  –  others

Toxicity

  –  Can occur and may lead to numbness of nerves – temporary in most cases
  –  Can only occur when supplements are taken
  –  No toxicity is seen when dietary consumption is the only source