Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6

DEFINITION
Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine is a water-soluble substance that
belongs to the B group vitamins.
DESCRIPTION
Vitamin B6 is involved in the metabolism of fats and amino
acids in the body. Amino acids have many uses in the body,
including the production of proteins as well as the creation of
special chemicals called neurotransmitters, which enable the nerves
in the brain to communicate with one another. Vitamin B6 is
essential for the creation of haemoglobin, the substance inside red
blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. Vitamin B6 is
required for normal brain function and for the production of
antibodies to help fight infection. 
About 80% of the Vitamin B6 in the body is located inside the
skeletal muscles, where it helps to break down glycogen into
glucose (glycogen is a substance made up of long chains of glucose,
which the muscles break down and use for energy).
Vitamin B6 may also help to control the effects of a class of
hormones called steroid hormones e.g. oestrogen and testosterone.
Certain genetic diseases can affect a person’s ability to use
Vitamin B6, causing a condition called Vitamin B6 dependency, where
large amounts of this nutrient are required to prevent deficiency.
Large doses of Vitamin B6 (2 to 6 g per day for at least 2 months)
can cause extensive damage to the nerves, which results in impaired
sensations in the arms and legs.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions. Large doses of
Vitamin B6 are taken by people with Vitamin B6 dependency diseases,
which are genetic conditions that affect a person’s ability to use
this nutrient in the body. 
Vitamin B6 deficiency can be caused by certain medications, so
people taking these medications may be advised by their Doctor to
take Vitamin B6 supplements. Certain rare forms of anaemia may be
improved by Vitamin B6 supplementation. Vitamin B6, in conjunction
with vitamin B12 and folate, may help to reduce the risks of heart
disease.
DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B6 deficiency causes changes in the electrical
activity in the brain, as well as dermatitis, seizures, anaemia,
damage to the nerves that supply sensation to the arms and legs
(peripheral neuropathy), redness at the corners of the mouth, known
as angular stomatitis, inflammation of the tongue, and inflammation
and cracking of the lips. Low levels of Vitamin B6 and folate may
cause an increase in the level of a substance called homocysteine
in the body. A high homocysteine level is thought to predispose
people to heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.
SOURCES
Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include white meat (poultry and
fish), bananas, liver, whole-grain breads and cereals, soybeans and
vegetables. Vitamin B6 is sensitive to ultraviolet light and heat,
so large amounts of this nutrient are lost during the cooking
process.
DOSAGE
The recommended dietary intake (RDI) for Vitamin B6 is 1.3 to
1.9 mg per day for adult males and 0.9 to 1.4 mg per day for adult
females, although women that are pregnant require an additional 0.1
mg per day and those that are lactating require and additional
0.7-0.8 mg daily.