INFORMATION ON VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE)
Vitamin B6 also known as Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble, essential vitamin, made up of 7 vitamers.
It belongs to the B-complex family of 8 B vitamins, critical for energy generation and maintenance of normal metabolic processes.
PLP, the metabolically active form of vit B6, generally acts as a coenzyme (cofactor) for many reactions and is part of protein and glucose metabolism, histamine synthesis, hemoglobin synthesis and function, hormone function and gene expression. Hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells is responsible for oxygen transpsort in the body.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine), which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. In addition it helps in the formation of myelin, a protein layer that forms around nerve cells, and is necessary for normal nervous system functioning.
Vitamin B6 is said to have an impact on cognitive abilities and through its role in the convertion of tryptophan to niacin and serotonin, it affects sleep, appetite and moods. Recent studies suggest it might help minimise the risk of late-life depression.
Adequate intake of Vit B6 ( in combination with B9 and B12) helps to control homocysteine levels which are associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
It also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and keep the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen healthy.
By aiding in hormone and prostaglandin regulation it plays a role in inflammation and immune system functioning. Clinical trials proved a decrease in wheezing, as well as a decrease in severity and frequency of asthma attacks, during Vit B6 supplementation.
Currently, Vit B6 is being researched for its effect on some forms of cancer, neurological conditions, infertility and premenstrual syndrome.
How it works:
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) functions mainly by helping the body process and utilise dietary proteins, carbohydrates, sugars and fats (metabolism).
Although it is not directly involved in the release of energy, as some of the other B vitamins, Pyridoxine helps to remove the nitrogen from amino acids, enabling them to be used as energy sources.
Due to its role in protein synthesis, it helps to form protein substances such as muscles, antibodies and hormones.
It also assist in the production of red blood cells, and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) and helps with hormone and prostaglandin regulation. Prostaglandins are important chemical messengers, communicating between cells, about inflammation and immune function.
POPULAR USE & PUBLISHED BENEFITS bbbb
- Metabolism and energy
- Cardiovascular health / homocysteine level control
- Heamoglobin / red blood cell production and oxygenation
- Neurotransmitter synthesis / Cognitive health
- Blood sugar regulation
- Inflammation and Immune system functioning
- Hormone regulation
WHOLE FOODS
- Chicken, turkey, tuna, shrimp, salmon, beef liver, pork, beef mince
- Milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese
- Lentils, beans, brown rice, sunflower seeds, bran, wheat germ, whole-grain flour, cereal grains, soybeans, oats, nuts and seeds, chick peas, kidney beans
- Bananas, mango, prunes, apricots
- Spinach, carrots, peas, potatoes, avocado, sweet potatoe, corn, chickpeas
RECOMMENDED USE
- Range: 0.255 - 100mg daily
- Popular use: 0.51mg daily
- Single / divided doses per day
- Can be taken in fasted state