Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been known to
medical science since the 1930s, and like the other B
complex vitamins performs numerous functions which are
essential for human health. A regular supply must be
ensured from the diet because the vitamin can be neither
synthesised nor stored in the body.
Vitamin B6 has probably attracted most attention from
medical researchers and nutritional therapists as a means
of reducing blood homocysteine levels, because an excess
build up of this compound is well established as an
indicator of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
One European research project, for example, reported in
1997 that the risk was more than doubled in subjects who
showed levels of blood homocysteine in the top 20% of the
range revealed by the tests.
Vitamin B6 is known to operate together with vitamins B12
and folic acid to break down homcysteine into the harmless,
and in fact beneficial, amino acids, methionine and
cysteine; and the effect is potentially very significant.
Some research in fact suggests that moderate
supplementation with B6 may consequently reduce disease
risk by as much as a third. But as important as this
function of pyridoxine is, it's just one of the many health
benefits it can offer; benefits which have led some
practitioners to conclude that B6 may be the most vital of
all the B complex vitamins.
On a general level, vitamin B6 is vital for the body's
production of prostaglandins, hormone type compounds which
are responsible for the proper operation of so many of the
body's vital functions, including the blood supply and
respiratory system, that imbalances are suspected to be a
major cause of ill-health. Pyridoxine is also essential
for the functioning of at least 100 enzymes governing such
biochemical reactions as the manufacture of necessary
proteins, genetic matter and amino acids; and the digestion
of dietary carbohydrates and fats.
More specifically, good intakes of pyridoxine have been
strongly linked to a robust immune system, particularly in
older adults; whereas deficiencies appear to be directly
correlated with a reduction the number of the body's T
cells, the most vital for immune system function.
There is also evidence to suggest that vitamin B6 may help
stabilise blood sugar and reduce the tissue and
particularly eye damage which commonly follows the blood
sugar problems associated with diabetes.
Vitamin B6 is also particularly associated with women's
health, and is important in maintaining the correct balance
of oestrogen and other female hormones. This relationship
with the sex hormones has led to pyridoxine being used by
some therapists as treatment for the depression that often
accompanies the contraceptive pill. And more general
depression is just one of the neurological disorders, along
with epilepsy and impaired cognitive function for which B6
is claimed to be beneficial.
Vitamin B6 has been used for the relief of morning sickness
in pregnancy since the 1940s, and is also believed to help
alleviate pregnancy related high blood pressure. Vitamin
B6 has also been used with some success in the relief of
pre-menstrual tension and with the yeast growth,
candidiasis. On the face of it, given its wide
availability in common foods, the Western world should
never see deficiencies of vitamin B6. But like the other B
complex vitamins, it is all too easily removed from the
body by the normal process of excretion. Intensive
exercise, sweating, and the taking in of excessive fluids
may therefore increase the body's requirement. The body's
need for B6 also appears to be greater in proportion as it
is comprised of lean, particularly muscle, tissue and more
is required the more protein foods are consumed. So even
orthodox opnion therefore acknowledges the probable benefit
of supplementing with B6 at a level sufficient to ensure an
intake of at least 2 mg per day. Some practitioners,
however, recommend a normal target of 50 mg a day because
of the wide ranging benefits attributed to the action of
pyridoxine. But even higher doses of 100 mg may be
recommended when attempting to tackle specific conditions.
This kind of intake is in fact the suggested safe maximum
suggested by the US Food and Nutrition Board, limits which
are always set at very conservative levels; and the only
toxicities observed from vitamin B6 intake have been in
consequence of amounts very far in excess of this dosage.
But when taking B vitamins it needs always to be remembered
that they are so closely dependent on each other that no
single one of them can discharge its functions effectively
in the absence of an adequate supply of each of the others.
It is for this reason that the B complex vitamins are
commonly found together in foods, and why any additional B
vitamins should only be taken in the form of a supplement
including the entire complex. Importantly as well, like
all vitamins, those of the B complex operate best when in
the presence of good quantities of all the nutrients
required by the body. Most authorities therefore recommend
that they be taken in conjunction with comprehensive
multi-vitamin and mineral supplements, magnesium being
particularly important in maximising the effect of vitamin
B6.
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Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products.
Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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