Vitamin B6 also known as Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin absorbed by the intestines
and carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. Since it is not stored in body
fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess vitamin B6 is excreted in urine
or sweat.
Vitamin B6 is considered the "master vitamin" in the processing of amino acids. It
helps build up and break down amino acids and is needed to make serotonin, melatonin
and dopamine.
It also aids in the production of red and white blood cells, converts a substance
called tryptothan to niacin, and plays a role in the metabolism of proteins and fats.
B6e assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood
cell production. It is linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the formation
of homocysteine.
Pyrodixine is essential to the human body’s production of anti-bodies. Pyridoxine
deficiency causes white blood cells to plummet and as a result, there is a subsequent
reduction in the antibodies that are produced.
Deficiency symptoms:
Skin problems.
Nervous system disorders.
Impaired memory and concentration.
Associated with increased levels of the chemical homocysteine, which in turn has
been associated with heart disease, birth defects, Alzheimer's disease and possibly
dementia. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce homocysteine
levels.
Alcohol and tobacco have been shown to impair the absorption of B6, as have a number
of drugs, including ethionamide, hyrdalazine and penicillamine.
A deficiency of pyridoxine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Calcium oxalate,
which is what commonly causes kidney stones to form, can be reduced through a diet
rich in pyridoxine.
Vitamin excess symptoms:
High doses for extended periods of time can cause numbness in the feet and hands,
which may be permanent in some cases.
The vitamin reduces the effects of L-dopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease.
When derived from foods, there are no known side effects associated with pyridoxine.
However, when taken orally as a supplement in excess of 200mg a day, there have been
incidences of neuropathy and skin disorders reported.
Involved in:
Assists the immune system and the growth of new cells.
Assists with controlling mood and behaviour.
Combats the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which is detrimental to
the heart muscle.
Assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium and promotes red blood cell production.
Involved in the nucleic acids RNA as well as DNA.
Assists the balancing of hormonal changes in women .
Assists the processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
B vitamins may cut heart disease risk. Harvard Health News April 1998..
Getting enough folate and B6. Health News March 10, 1998.
Franzblau A, Rock CL, Werner RA, et al. The relationship of vitamin B6 status to
median nerve function and carpal tunnel syndrome among active industrial workers.
J Occup Environ Med 1996;38:485 91.
Gaby AR. Literature review & commentary. Townsend Letter for health professionals
June 1990;338 39.
Vitamin B9 also knownas Folic Acid - Water soluble. The body does not store very
much folic acid.
Essential for numerous bodily functions such as:
Nucleotide biosynthesis.
Remethylation of homocysteine.
To synthesize DNA.
To repair DNA.
To methylate DNA.
To act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate.
Especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth.
Children and adults both require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and
prevent anaemia.
Involved in:
Assists in digestion, and the nervous system.
Assists DNA synthesis and cell growth.
Essential for creating heme, the iron containing substance in haemoglobin.
Assists healthy cell division and replication, since its involvement as a coenzyme
for RNA and DNA synthesis.
Assists protein metabolism and in treating folic acid anaemia.
Involved in red blood cell formation, energy production as well as the formation
of amino acids.
Regulates embroyic and foetal development of nerve cells.
Regulates the production and use of homocysteine.
Note
Excess may mask vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Best with the B group vitamins and vitamin C.
Food sources - Beans - Green vegetables - Whole grains.
Don't overcook your vegetables, because this destroys the folic acid. Steaming is
a gentler method of cooking than boiling.
Liver contains high levels of folic acid, but don't eat it if pregnant or planning
a pregnancy.
Liver contains high levels of vitamin A, which may harm a baby.
