Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride or pyridoxal and is necessary for the functioning of a number of enzymes in our bodies. It is part of the B complex group of vitamins and is water soluble in nature. It is involved in the synthesis and production of several biological compounds in the body and is required for overall growth and development.
Pyridoxine exists in three forms — pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Its active form is called pyridoxal phosphate and it is a white colored crystal that is heat stable in both acidic and alkaline solutions. It plays a key role in the breakdown of amino acids and carries out a number of metabolic functions. It is essential for the body and produces energy for carrying out several of its functions.
Benefits:
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor that helps in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body.
There are various benefits of the vitamin:
It helps in the amino acids metabolism and plays an active role in enhancing the nervous system.
It plays a vital role in the formation and breakdown of amino acids, the conversion of amino acids to carbohydrates or fat and in the metabolism of fat.
It helps in manufacturing most protein related compounds and is active is most body processes.
Central Nervous system: Pyridoxine is required in adequate quantities to help with the development and function of the nervous system. It is a cofactor required to synthesize and manufacture several neurotransmitters and helps regulate mental processes and mood. These neurotransmitter molecules are essential for communication among brain cells. The major inhibitory amino acid in the brain, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is also synthesized by the symbiosis of decarboxylation of glutamate and pyridoxal-phosphate requiring enzyme glutamatic acid decarboxylase.
Vitamin B6 also plays an active role in the normal development and function of the immature CNS.
Immune System: B6 vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. It enhances the quality and quantity of antibodies and increases the body’s capacity to fight infection tremendously. It is also involved in the development of red blood cells, hormones and sodium-potassium balance, histamine metabolism and the process of the conversion of trytophan to niacin.
Cardiovascular System: Pyridoxine is known to benefit cardiovascular health in individuals in a number of ways. It plays a significant role in maintaining a normal homocystine level in the body, a by-product of the metabolism of amino acids. Low circulating levels of homocystine have a beneficial impact on the health of the body.
Vitamin B6 is necessary to generate fat derived substances known as prostaglandins which are involved in processes such as blood pressure regulation, heart function and platelet aggregation.
Kidney Stones: Pyridoxine may play an important role in the treatment of kidney stones in people with a hereditary disorder known as Type I primary hyperoxaluria that is a genetic disorder causing affected people to have excessive levels of oxalates or kidney stones. It doesn\'t help people with kidney stones not suffering from this condition.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): It helps relieve various symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness, bloating, depression, stomach cramps etc.
It is known to maintain the health of nails, hair and skin. It is also effective in the treatment of children with low serotonin levels and (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Deficiency:
Clinical signs of deficiency are rarely seen in the United States. However, shortage of the vitamin in the body is marked by acne like eruptions around the eyes, nose, mouth and behind the ears, cracked lips and brittle nails. It is also characterized by blood disorders, a prolonged feeling of sadness, nervousness and nerve irritation.
Food Sources:
These include organ meats such as liver, kidney and breast, whole grain cereals, wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, brewer\'s yeast, poultry, fish, eggs, oats, bananas and seeds.
Dosage:
It should not exceed 100 mg per day in adults.
Side Effects:
Taking vitamin B6 in excess can result in nerve damage of the arms and legs. This is the outcome of ingesting huge amounts of the vitamin through supplements and can be reversed when supplementation is stopped. Before taking any additional nutrients, it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the product is required by you or not. You must also consider the intake of vitamin B6 if you are on any medication as it might counter react with it.
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