Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine).
Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine. The vitamin  is an essential water-soluble coenzyme and it is included in the B complex vitamins. Pyridoxine performs as a cofactor to nearly one hundred enzymes and participates in a broad range of functions and biochemical reactions which occur in the cells.
Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in the support of the immune system, good function of the nervous system and formation of red and white blood cells.
Pyridoxine contributes to protein, amino acids, fats and carbohydrates metabolism, to synthesis of niacin from tryptophan, homeostasis of hormones, production of hemoglobin, control of blood glucose level and release of energy by the conversion of glycogen to glucose.
Vitamin B6 promotes the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine which are very important neurotransmitters and are required for transmission of nerve signals. Studies have given evidence that low levels of pyridoxine are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and the development of a wide range of psychological or neurological conditions, including depression, convulsions, seizures, neuralgia, migraines, and Parkinson's disease. Vitamin B6 can also protect people who are prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones development.
Alcohol and theophylline, a drug prescribed for asthmatic children, help in depletion of vitamin B6 storages. Cortisone decreases the absorption of pyridoxine in the gastrointestinal track.
In coordination with folic acid and vitamin B12, pyridoxine may contribute to prevention of heart coronary disease and stroke by lowering the levels of homocysteine in the blood stream. Homocysteine is an amino acid that may promote atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sources of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
Vitamin B6 is found in beans, soybeans, peas, nuts, walnuts, legumes, eggs, meat, beef liver, fish, bananas, avocados, carrots, whole grains, wheat germ and fortified breads and cereals.
Individuals with an unbalanced or poor quality diet may benefit from taking relevant supplements, if they are unable to increase their dietary intake of pyridoxine. Heavy drinkers or alcoholics have increased requirements for vitamin B6. Children suffering from asthma and treated by theophylline can be deficient in pyridoxine and may need extra supplementation. Women, who are under hormone replacement therapy or use contraceptives, may have increased needs for vitamin B6. Food supplements with pyridoxine are available in the market. You can try the  button, if you want to find vitamin B6 food supplements online.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency and toxicity.
Vitamin B6 deficiency may occur in people with  prolonged periods of poor quality diet. The condition is more common in elderly people.
Deficiency in pyridoxine can cause mouth and tongue sores, dermatitis, acne, irritability, nervousness, confusion, insomnia, convulsions and depression. Vitamin B6 deficiency may increase the risk for kidney stones to occur. It can also result in osteoporosis, arthritis and a type of anemia that resembles the anemia due to iron deficiency.
Prolonged and excessive uptake of pyridoxine can lead to a sensory neuropathy in the limbs. The above side-effect may accompany doses of 250mg per day or higher. In most of the cases, the condition is easily reversible and any present symptoms, such as numbness or hypesthesia, retreat after the restoration of pyridoxine equilibrium. In fact, vitamin B6 cannot cause serious toxicity problems, since it is water-soluble and if needed, can easily be excreted in the urine via the kidneys. In certain cases, high doses of vitamin B6 may cause or worsen acne.
Recommendations for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for adults are the following:
 For adolescents and adults up to fifty years of age, 1.3mg/day.
For men older than fifty years of age, 1.7mg/day.
For women older than fifty years of age, 1.5mg/day.
For pregnant females, 1.9mg/day.
For breastfeeding females, 2.0mg/day.
The above doses of pyridoxine are expected to meet the minimum requirements, though.
In general, the recommended dosage for preventive purposes is 100-200mg/day. However, higher therapeutic doses of pyridoxine are prescribed and may be ranging from 200 to 1,800mg per day.
Pregnant females and nursing mothers should not exceed the above upper tolerable limit.
It has to be mentioned that vitamin B6 is sensitive to light and cooking.
Supplementation of any single vitamin B for a long period of time may lead to significantly imbalanced state of other members of the complex. Thus, a full range of additional supplementation for vitamin B complex is recommended. |
