What are the key functions of vitamin B6 in the body. How does vitamin B6 support overall health and wellness. Where can you find good dietary sources of vitamin B6. What are the recommended daily intakes for different age groups.

The Vital Role of Vitamin B6 in Human Health

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in numerous bodily functions. As a member of the B-vitamin complex, it is essential for proper cell function, metabolism, and overall health. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins like B6 are not stored in the body and need to be consumed regularly through diet or supplements.

Key Functions of Vitamin B6

• Supports the production of antibodies for immune function
• Maintains normal nerve function
• Aids in the formation of hemoglobin
• Assists in protein metabolism
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Contributes to brain function and neurotransmitter synthesis

Why is vitamin B6 so important for our bodies? This essential nutrient acts as a coenzyme in over 100 enzyme reactions, primarily involved in protein metabolism. Its diverse roles make it indispensable for maintaining optimal health and preventing various health issues.

The Impact of Vitamin B6 on Immune Function

One of the most critical functions of vitamin B6 is its role in supporting the immune system. How does vitamin B6 contribute to immune health? It aids in the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help fight off invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. By ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin B6, you can help bolster your body’s natural defense mechanisms against various diseases and infections.

Vitamin B6 and Antibody Production

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances in the body. Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of these proteins, as it acts as a coenzyme in numerous biochemical reactions involved in their production. Without sufficient vitamin B6, the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response could be compromised.

Neurological Benefits of Vitamin B6

Beyond its immune-supporting properties, vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nervous system function. How does vitamin B6 contribute to neurological health? It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Vitamin B6 is a key player in the production of several important neurotransmitters, including:

• Serotonin: Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.
• Dopamine: This neurotransmitter is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure.
• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to reduce neuronal excitability and promote relaxation.

By supporting the synthesis of these crucial neurotransmitters, vitamin B6 contributes to overall brain health, mood regulation, and cognitive function.

The Role of Vitamin B6 in Hemoglobin Formation

Another vital function of vitamin B6 is its involvement in the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. How does vitamin B6 contribute to hemoglobin formation? It acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis of heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin.

Preventing Anemia

Adequate vitamin B6 intake is crucial for preventing certain types of anemia. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to microcytic anemia, characterized by small, pale red blood cells that are less efficient at carrying oxygen. By ensuring sufficient vitamin B6 consumption, you can support healthy red blood cell production and maintain optimal oxygen transport in your body.

Vitamin B6 and Protein Metabolism

Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in protein metabolism, making it especially important for individuals with high protein intake or those engaged in regular physical activity. How does vitamin B6 assist in protein metabolism? It acts as a coenzyme in various reactions involved in the breakdown and utilization of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

Amino Acid Metabolism

Vitamin B6 is involved in several aspects of amino acid metabolism, including:

• Transamination: The transfer of amino groups between amino acids
• Decarboxylation: The removal of carboxyl groups from amino acids
• Side-chain modifications: Alterations to the structure of specific amino acids

These processes are essential for the efficient use of dietary proteins and the synthesis of non-essential amino acids in the body.

Blood Sugar Regulation and Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, making it an important nutrient for overall metabolic health. How does vitamin B6 contribute to blood sugar regulation? It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Gluconeogenesis and Glycogenolysis

Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in two important processes related to blood sugar control:

1. Gluconeogenesis: The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids
2. Glycogenolysis: The breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) to release glucose into the bloodstream

By supporting these processes, vitamin B6 helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially during periods of fasting or increased energy demands.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

While vitamin B6 deficiency is relatively uncommon in developed countries, it’s essential to ensure adequate intake through a balanced diet. What are some good food sources of vitamin B6? This nutrient can be found in a variety of animal and plant-based foods.

Rich Sources of Vitamin B6

• Fish: Tuna, salmon, and other fatty fish
• Poultry: Chicken, turkey
• Beef and pork
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and other dried beans
• Nuts: Pistachios, peanuts, and other tree nuts
• Bananas
• Potatoes
• Fortified cereals and breads

Including a variety of these foods in your diet can help ensure you meet your daily vitamin B6 requirements.

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin B6

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 varies depending on age, sex, and life stage. What are the current recommendations for vitamin B6 intake? The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide guidance on appropriate intake levels.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B6

The following table outlines the RDAs for vitamin B6 by age and sex:

Pregnant women require 1.9 mg/day, while lactating women need 2.0 mg/day of vitamin B6.

Consequences of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Although vitamin B6 deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries, certain populations may be at risk. What are the potential consequences of insufficient vitamin B6 intake? A deficiency can lead to various health issues affecting multiple body systems.

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Common signs and symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include:

• Anemia
• Confusion
• Depression
• Weakened immune function
• Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in extremities)

Individuals with kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and alcohol dependence are at higher risk of vitamin B6 deficiency and may require closer monitoring of their intake.

Potential Benefits of Vitamin B6 Supplementation

While obtaining vitamins through a balanced diet is generally preferred, some individuals may benefit from vitamin B6 supplementation. In what situations might vitamin B6 supplements be beneficial? Supplementation may be recommended for certain health conditions or to address specific deficiencies.

Conditions That May Benefit from Vitamin B6 Supplementation

• Morning sickness during pregnancy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Depression
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Certain types of anemia

It’s important to note that high doses of vitamin B6 supplements can cause side effects, including nerve damage. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen.

Interactions and Precautions with Vitamin B6

While vitamin B6 is generally safe when consumed in recommended amounts through food sources, there are some considerations to keep in mind regarding supplementation and potential interactions. What precautions should be taken with vitamin B6 intake? It’s essential to be aware of possible drug interactions and the risks of excessive supplementation.

Potential Drug Interactions

Vitamin B6 may interact with certain medications, including:

• Antiepileptic drugs
• Theophylline (used to treat respiratory conditions)
• Levodopa (used in Parkinson’s disease treatment)

If you’re taking any medications, consult your healthcare provider before starting vitamin B6 supplementation.

Risks of Excessive Intake

While vitamin B6 toxicity from food sources is extremely rare, high doses of supplements can lead to adverse effects. Symptoms of excessive vitamin B6 intake may include:

• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Skin lesions
• Photosensitivity
• Nausea
• Heartburn

The upper limit for vitamin B6 intake from all sources is set at 100 mg per day for adults. It’s crucial to stay within recommended limits and consult a healthcare professional before taking high-dose supplements.

Future Research and Potential Applications of Vitamin B6

As our understanding of vitamin B6’s role in human health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new potential applications and benefits of this essential nutrient. What are some promising areas of research regarding vitamin B6? Several studies are investigating its role in various health conditions and its potential therapeutic applications.

Emerging Research Areas

• Cardiovascular health: Investigating the role of vitamin B6 in reducing homocysteine levels and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease
• Cognitive function: Exploring the impact of vitamin B6 on brain health and its potential in preventing age-related cognitive decline
• Cancer prevention: Studying the possible protective effects of vitamin B6 against certain types of cancer
• Inflammation: Investigating the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin B6 and its potential in managing chronic inflammatory conditions

While these areas show promise, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and applications of vitamin B6 beyond its well-established functions.

In conclusion, vitamin B6 is a versatile and essential nutrient that plays crucial roles in numerous bodily functions. From supporting immune health and neurological function to aiding in protein metabolism and blood sugar regulation, its importance cannot be overstated. By ensuring adequate intake through a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6 sources, you can support your overall health and well-being. As research continues to uncover new potential benefits of this vital nutrient, it’s clear that vitamin B6 will remain a key focus in nutrition and health science for years to come.

Vitamin B6: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so the body cannot store them. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. Although the body maintains a small pool of water-soluble vitamins, they have to be taken regularly.

Lack of vitamin B6 in the body is uncommon. It can occur in people with kidney failure, liver disease, or alcohol dependence.

Vitamin B6 helps the body to:

• Make antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many viruses, infections, and other diseases.
• Maintain normal nerve function.
• Make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells to the tissues. A vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a form of anemia.
• Break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.
• Keep blood sugar (glucose) in normal ranges.

Vitamin B6 is found in:

• Tuna and salmon
• Banana
• Legumes (dried beans)
• Beef and pork
• Nuts
• Poultry
• Whole grains and fortified cereals
• Chickpeas

Fortified breads and cereals may also contain vitamin B6. Fortified means that a vitamin or mineral has been added to the food.

Large doses of vitamin B6 can cause:

• Difficulty coordinating movement
• Numbness
• Sensory changes

Deficiency of this vitamin can cause:

• Confusion
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mouth and tongue sores also known as glossitis
• Peripheral neuropathy

(Vitamin B6 deficiency is not common in the United States.)

Recommendations for vitamin B6, as well as other nutrients, are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. DRI is a term for a set of reference intakes that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include:

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The average daily level of intake that is enough to meet the nutrient needs of nearly all (97% to 98%) healthy people. An RDA is an intake level based on scientific research evidence.

Adequate Intake (AI): This level is established when there is not enough scientific research evidence to develop an RDA. It is set at a level that is thought to ensure enough nutrition.

Dietary reference intakes for vitamin B6:

Infants (AI)

• 0 to 6 months: 0.1 milligrams per day (mg/day)
• 7 to 12 months: 0.3 mg/day

Children (RDA)

• 1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
• 4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
• 9 to 13 years: 1.0 mg/day

Adolescents and adults (RDA)

• Males age 14 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day
• Males over 50 years: 1. 7 mg/day
• Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.2 mg/day
• Females age 19 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day
• Females over 50 years: 1.5 mg/day
• Females of all ages 1.9 mg/day during pregnancy and 2.0 mg/day during lactation

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Pyridoxal; Pyridoxine; Pyridoxamine

• Vitamin B6 benefit
• Vitamin B6 source

Litwack G. Vitamins and nutrition. In: Litwack G, ed. Human Biochemistry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.

Mason JB, Booth SL. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 205.

Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

National Institutes of Health website. Vitamin B6: fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/. Updated June 2, 2022. Accessed February 21, 2023.

Updated by: Stefania Manetti, RD/N, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC – Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Benefits, dosage, food sources, and deficiency symptoms

Vitamin B6 supports brain function, the immune system, and the transportation of oxygen around the body. It also helps create neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Food sources include chick peas, tofu, and beef liver.

Vitamin B6 is one of eight B vitamins. This group of vitamins is important for proper cell function. They help with metabolism, creating blood cells, and keeping cells healthy.

Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water. The body does not store vitamin B6 and releases any excess in urine, so people need to get enough vitamin B6 every day.

This article looks at the health benefits and food sources of vitamin B6, along with a person’s daily needs of the vitamin. It also discusses deficiency and supplements.

Vitamin B6 has many functions in the body, and it plays a role in over 100 enzyme reactions. One of its main roles is in helping the body metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for energy.

This vitamin is also involved in:

• immune system function
• brain development during pregnancy and infancy
• creating neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine
• creating hemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in the United States. Most people get enough from their diets.

The following sections look at some effects of vitamin B6 in human health.

Brain function

Vitamin B6 helps to create neurotransmitters, which are important chemical messengers in the brain. It also helps regulate energy use in the brain.

Some research suggests that vitamin B6 deficiency may be linked withcognitive decline and dementia.

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, studies have suggested that that older adults with higher blood levels of vitamin B6 have better memory.

However, there is little evidence to suggest that taking vitamin B6 supplements improves cognition or mood in people with or without dementia.

Nausea during pregnancy

A review study from 2016 reports that taking pyridoxine may help with mild symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, compared with a placebo.

It also reports that taking a combination of pyridoxine and doxylamine could help with moderate symptoms.

Based on the research, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend vitamin B6 supplements as a safe, over-the-counter treatment for nausea during pregnancy.

Protection from air pollution

A study published in 2017 indicated that vitamin B6 may help to protect people against the harmful effects of air pollution by reducing the impact of pollution on the epigenome.

The researchers hope their findings may lead to new measures to prevent epigenetic changes that can result from exposure to air pollution.

The World Health Organization reported that, in 2016, 91% of the world’s population was living in places where official air quality guidelines levels were not met.

A number of factors will affect a person’s daily requirement for vitamin B6, because it impacts several aspects of a person’s metabolism.

According to the ODS, the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for vitamin B6 are:

Age	Male	Female
0–6 months	0.1 mg	0.1 mg
7–12 months	0.3 mg	0.3 mg
1–3 years	0.5 mg	0.5 mg
4–8 years	0.6 mg	0.6 mg
9–13 years	1.0 mg	1.0 mg
14–18 years	1.3 mg	1. 2 mg
19–50 years	1.3 mg	1.3 mg
51+ years	1.7 mg	1.5 mg
During pregnancy	–	1.9 mg
During lactation	–	2.0 mg

Most foods have some vitamin B6. People with a well-balanced diet do not tend to develop a deficiency. Medical conditions and certain medications can lead to a deficiency.

The following are good sources of vitamin B6:

• chickpeas (1 cup) provide 1.1 milligrams (mg) or 65% of the daily value (DV)
• beef liver (3 ounces) provides 0.9 mg or 53% DV
• yellowfin tuna (3 oz) provides 0.9 mg or 53% DV
• roasted chicken breast (3 oz) provides 0.5 mg or 29% DV
• potatoes (1 cup) provides 0.4 mg or 25% DV
• banana (medium) provides 0.4 mg or 25% DV
• tofu (half a cup) provides 0.1 mg or 6% DV
• nuts (1 oz) provide 0.1 mg or 6% DV

Other sources of B6 include:

• fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals
• salmon
• turkey
• marinara sauce
• ground beef
• waffles
• bulgur
• cottage cheese
• squash
• rice
• raisins
• onion
• spinach
• watermelon

Deficiencies are uncommon in the U. S., but they may develop if a person has poor intestinal absorption or is taking estrogens, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, or some other medications.

Many deficiencies in vitamin B6 are associated with low levels of other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate.

Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption may eventually result in a B6 deficiency, as can hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include:

• peripheral neuropathy with tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
• anemia
• seizures
• depression
• confusion
• a weakened immune system

In rare cases, vitamin B6 deficiency may lead to a pellagra-like syndrome, such as:

• seborrheic dermatitis
• inflammation of the tongue, or glossitis
• inflammation and cracking of the lips, known as cheilosis

In infants, seizures may persist even after treatment with anticonvulsants.

Some deficiencies, like peripheral neuropathy, can be lifelong.

Between 28 and 36% of people in the United States take vitamin supplements containing vitamin B6. Supplements are available in capsule or tablet form.

Most people of all ages in the U.S. consume sufficient B6 and do not require supplements.

Those who are more likely to have low levels of B6 include:

• people who drink excess alcohol
• people with obesity
• people who are pregnant or breastfeeding

There is no evidence of any adverse effect from consuming too much vitamin B6 in food.

However, evidence has shown that taking between 1 and 6 grams of oral pyridoxine a day for 12 to 40 months may be linked with severe, progressive sensory neuropathy and a loss of control of body movement.

The 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that most nutrients should come from foods. They encourage consumption of a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods and plenty of dietary fiber.

Vitamin B6 is an important vitamin for many processes in the body, including the nervous system and metabolism. The body does not store this vitamin, so people need to get some from their diets each day.

Most Americans get sufficient vitamin B6 from their diets. If not, a doctor may recommend dietary changes or taking vitamin B6 supplements.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 are called substances similar in composition and properties – pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. For the manifestation of vitamin properties, it is necessary that these substances turn into a phosphorylated form (5-pyridoxal-phosphate). Such a transformation occurs in the body, after which pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine acquire vitamin properties.

Vitamin B6 is the collective name for 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridine derivatives with the biological activity of pyridoxine. Pyridoxine is one form of this vitamin.

C ₈ H ₁₁ NO ₃

yeast, and then from rice bran vitamin B6 and named pyridoxine. The structure of vitamin B6 was established later and then confirmed by its synthesis. Pyridoxine is 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-4,5 (hydroxymethyl)-pyridine.

Pyridoxine is a white crystalline substance, highly soluble in water and alcohol, resistant to acids and alkalis. When oxidizing a 0.1% aqueous solution of pyridoxine with an equal volume of 0.1% KMn0 ₄ at 25 ° for 30 minutes, a product of incomplete oxidation of pyridoxine – pyridoxal, which is pyridoxine aldehyde, is obtained. Pyridoxamine can be obtained by heating pyridoxine with ammonia or by the transamination reaction of pyridoxal with an amino acid. So, pyridoxal reacts when heated with glutamic acid, forming pyridoxamine and α-ketoglutaric acid. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are resistant to heating up to 100-121°C in acidic and alkaline solutions, and are quickly destroyed under the influence of sunlight and scattered daylight.

Role and importance of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is primarily used as a stimulant in metabolism. It is a coenzyme of proteins that are involved in the processing of amino acids and regulate protein digestion. Pyridoxine is involved in the production of blood cells and their coloring pigment, hemoglobin, and is involved in the uniform supply of cells with glucose.

• takes part in the formation of erythrocytes;
• is involved in the processes of glucose uptake by nerve cells;
• is required for protein metabolism and transamination of amino acids;
• takes part in the metabolism of fats;
• has a hypocholesterolemic effect;
• has a lipotropic effect, a sufficient amount of pyridoxine is necessary for the normal functioning of the liver.

Without vitamin B6, not only normal protein metabolism is impossible, but also the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. A uniform supply of glucose to nerve cells requires a lot of pyridoxine, so almost half of the pyridoxine that is in the body is used by it to release carbohydrates into the blood.

Vitamin B6 prevents severe disorders of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, which usually occur during phosphorus intoxication. The use of vitamin B6 contributes to the preservation of glycogen in the liver and muscles, the preservation of nucleic acids, less accumulation of fat and cholesterol, and the maintenance of normal fluid content in organs. Vitamin B6 also stimulates the bile secretion of the liver.

The use of vitamin B6 in the complex therapy of rickets had a positive effect on the restoration of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, on the restoration of impaired metabolic processes in the liver (protein, amino acid, glycoregulatory and antitoxic functions), on the functional state of the central nervous system, on the dynamics of weight gain, etc. .

The data obtained indicate the stimulating effect of pyridoxine on the function of hematopoietic organs. Pyridoxine is also involved in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin; maintains the balance of potassium and sodium in all fluids in the body, which is very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system, memory and brain performance. Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which include serotonin, a substance that reduces the sensitivity of the body’s pain system, as well as affecting mood, appetite and sound sleep.

Vitamin B6 strengthens the immune system, as it promotes the formation of antibodies that protect the body and cells that stimulate the immune system. Vitamin B6 contributes to the development of natural immunity in certain pathological conditions. It has been established in dynamics that vitamin B6 has a normalizing effect on the quantitative side of hemo- and lymphopoiesis.

Vitamin B6 stimulates leukopoiesis in leukopenia due to chronic intoxication caused by drugs (for example, pyryramidone), X-rays, and some industrial toxic substances (for example, benzene). The cessation of these effects and the use of vitamin B6 lead to an increase in the content of leukocytes in the blood.

People who are prone to heart and vascular diseases need pyridoxine in large quantities: it prevents blood from clotting, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke, and normalizes blood pressure. The normal functioning of the liver also depends on the content of vitamin B6 in the body.

X-ray irradiation can reduce the activity of many enzyme systems, especially with repeated and intense irradiation, for which B vitamins serve as coenzymes. In this case, vitamin B6 (as well as some other vitamins of this group) can help restore disturbed enzyme systems.

There should always be a lot of vitamin B6 in the body, since it is necessary for all cells and tissues, so you need to replenish its reserves constantly – best with food, but you can also take special biologically active supplements.

On the participation of pyridoxine in metabolic processes

Vitamin B6 is essential in protein metabolism.

In the body, pyridoxine is phosphorylated, converted into phosphopyridoxal and is part of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of various amino acids and in a number of other processes of nitrogen metabolism. Phosphopyridoxal is involved in the construction of the molecule of a large number of enzymes: histaminase, glutaminase, aminoferase, decarboxylase, kynurenase, etc.

Vitamin B6 takes an active part in tryptophan metabolism.

With a lack of pyridoxine in the diet, products of incomplete breakdown of tryptophan appear in the urine – kynurenine and xanthurenic acid. In a healthy person, pyridoxine is excreted in the urine as the main cleavage product, 4-pyridoxic acid, and in small amounts as pyridoxine. The essence of the cleavage is that the aldehyde group of pyridoxal is oxidized to acid and pyridoxine acid appears, which no longer has the biological properties of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is involved in the metabolism of methionine, cystine, glutamic acid and other amino acids.

Pyridoxine has a great influence on the exchange of amino acids containing sulfur, takes part in peresulfation, i.e., the transfer of sulfhydryl groups from one compound to another. So, enzymes, which include phosphopyridoxal, promote the transfer of sulfur from methionine to serine and the formation of cysteine.

Another way of converting amino acids are the processes associated with the elimination of the carboxyl group and called decarboxylation. The decarboxylation reaction of amino acids proceeds with the release of carbon dioxide and the formation of amines. For example, cysteic acid, formed as a result of the oxidation of cysteine ​​during the elimination of carbon dioxide, is converted into taurine, and taurine plays an important role in fat metabolism. Phosphopyridoxal is a coenzyme for the decarboxylases of most amino acids.

Vitamin B6 is involved in glutamine metabolism

Glutamine is known to play an essential role in the metabolic processes of the brain. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of complex porphyria proteins that are part of the prosthetic groups of hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, catalase and peroxidase. Vitamin B6 increases the content of creatine in the muscles, which plays an important role in the process of muscle contraction.

With an increased content of protein in the diet, the need and use of vitamin B6 increases, and with its deficiency, the phenomena of B6-hypovitaminosis may develop.

Pyridoxine is also involved in fat metabolism.

Fat oxidation, fat synthesis and other processes of fat metabolism are largely associated with vitamin B6. It increases the absorption of unsaturated fatty acids by the body and takes part in the synthesis of arachidonic acid. Pyridoxine with the participation of methionine promotes the methylation of nicotinamide.

Lack of vitamin B6 (B6-hypovitaminosis)

stretch your hand with your palm up, then try to bend the two end joints on four fingers (your palm should not be squeezed into a fist) until your fingers touch your palm. If this succeeds with difficulty, then you have a B6 deficiency.

Chronic intoxication, tuberculosis (due to the fact that isoniazid, a vitamin B6 antagonist, is used in the treatment), as well as malnutrition can cause hypovitaminosis B6. The long-term form of the disease is rare and is manifested by dermatitis and acrodynia.

Lack of vitamin B6 can cause more than a hundred different diseases. Due to its deficiency, protein metabolism is disrupted and, as a result, chronic diseases occur.

Lack of pyridoxine leads to a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes (an important indicator of the immune system), decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting (especially in pregnant women), lethargy, irritability, convulsions, depression, increased anxiety, psychosis. In addition, seborrheic dermatitis, growth retardation in children, flatulence, kidney stones, encephalogram abnormalities, anemia (even with full iron supply), convulsive seizures (often in children), glossitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, lower and upper polyneuritis limbs. Infants with B6 deficiency suffer from lesions of the nervous system (most often epileptiform seizures).

In B6 vitamin deficiency, a person has muscle weakness and difficulty walking, dizziness, sometimes abdominal pain, inflammation of the tongue mucosa, lesions of the red border of the lips. If pyridoxine is not enough for the timely supply of glucose to nerve cells, then the person quickly gets tired, sleeps poorly and feels depressed.

The question of the role of B6-vitamin deficiency in the development of atherosclerosis is of great importance, which, in all likelihood, is associated with the effect of this vitamin on fat metabolism. Also, a long-term lack of vitamin B6 in food contributes to the development of fatty liver.

Lack of pyridoxine disturbs the balance of sodium and potassium in the fluid, and water begins to accumulate in the body. This is how edema occurs: on the legs, arms, face, and even a large belly can be the result of a lack of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 content in foods

Pyridoxine is found in many foods, but is somewhat higher in animal products: eggs, shrimp, oysters, salmon, tuna, ham, chicken, ground beef and lamb, liver, cottage cheese, cheese and other dairy products.

Plant foods are also quite rich in pyridoxine: germinated grains, potatoes, peas, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, beans, lentils, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, many cereals and cereals, yeast, nuts, seeds, berries and fruits.

In addition, pyridoxine is synthesized by the normal microflora of a healthy intestine.

Daily requirement for vitamin B6

Physiological requirements for vitamin B6 according to the Guidelines MP 2.3.1.2432-08 on the norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation :

• Tolerable upper intake limit is 25 mg/day.
• Physiological requirement for adults – 2. 0 mg/day.
• Physiological requirement for children – 0.4 to 2.0 mg/day.

Table 2. Recommended daily intake of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) depending on age (mg):

The daily human requirement for vitamin B6 is 2 mg for an adult, 4 mg for a pregnant and lactating woman, and 0.4 to 2 mg for a child. As can be seen from Table. 1, with a set of common daily diet products (meat, fish, milk, bread, vegetables, cereals, etc.), a person’s need for vitamin B6 can be easily satisfied.

Vitamin B6 enters the human body mainly with food. Partially, vitamin B6 is synthesized by the intestinal microflora, but this synthesis does not play a significant role in meeting the need for this vitamin.

The need for vitamin B6 is increased in pregnant and lactating women, as first the developing fetus and then the newborn appear to deplete the mother’s stores of this vitamin. During menstruation and when taking oral contraceptives, women also need more pyridoxine; with cardiovascular diseases, hypoglycemia, infections, the need for it also increases.

Vitamin B6 is found in many foods of plant and animal origin, but each of them (with the exception of dry brewer’s yeast) contains relatively little of it; however, food generally covers a person’s need for vitamin B6.

Since pyridoxine does not accumulate in the body, it must be supplied with food constantly. And here lovers of all kinds of diets become especially vulnerable: pyridoxine is quickly consumed, and very little of it comes in. In this case, you should take biologically active additives – for example, in the form of yeast, or include in the diet foods enriched with B vitamins (for example, fermented milk products based on starter cultures of bifido- or propionic acid bacteria (producers of vitamins gr. B).

Too much vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Too much pyridoxine is almost never found because it is rapidly excreted in the urine. If you take a very large dose in the form of injections or tablets, you may experience numbness of the hands and feet, a short-term nervous breakdown. All these symptoms disappear as soon as pyridoxine is excreted from the body.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) interaction

Vitamin B6 actively interacts with other essential vitamins and minerals: together with calcium, it helps the heart and muscles work; thanks to him, glucose is effectively used; iron, copper and zinc, interacting with pyridoxine, are involved in the synthesis of heme – a complex that is part of hemoglobin and gives red color to blood cells.

In combination with vitamin B9 (folic acid), pyridoxine regulates the amount of cholesterol in the blood, and if you add other vitamins of this group – B1 and B12, then the cardiovascular system will be protected.

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• 90 005 Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
• 9Biotin (Vitamin B7) 9000 6
• Folic acid (Vitamin B9)
• Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Be healthy!

REFERENCES TO SECTION ABOUT PROBIOTIC DRUGS

1. PROBIOTICS 90 055
2. PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS
3. SYNBIOTICS
4. HOME STARTERS
5. BIFIDOBACTERIA CONCENTRATE, LIQUID
6. PROPIONIX
7. IODOPIONIX
8. SELENPROPIONIX
9. BIFICARDIO
10. PROBIOTICS WITH PUFA
11. MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION
12. BIFIDOBACTERIA
13. PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA
14. HUMAN MICROBIOME
15. GIT MICROFLORA
16. INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS
17. MICROBIOME & IBD
18. MICROBIOME AND CANCER
19. MICROBIOME, HEART AND VESSELS
20. MICROBIOME AND LIVER
21. MICROBIOME AND KIDNEY
22. MICROBIOME AND LUNGS
23. MICROBIOME AND PANCREAS
24. MICROBIOME AND THYROID
25. MICROBIOME AND SKIN DISEASES
26. MICROBIOME AND BONES
27. MICROBIOME AND OBESITY
28. MICROBIOME AND DIABETES
29. MICROBIOME AND BRAIN
30. ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
31. ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES
32. ANTI-MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY
33. MICROBIOME & IMMUNITY
34. MICROBIOME AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
35. PROBIOTICS and INFANTS
36. PROBIOTICS, PREGNANCY, DELIVERY
37. VITAMIN SYNTHESIS
38. AMINO ACID SYNTHESIS
39. ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
40. SHORT CHAIN ​​FATTY ACIDS
41. BACTERIOCIN SYNTHESIS
42. NUTRITIONAL DISEASES
43. MICROBIOME AND PRECISION NUTRITION
44. FUNCTIONAL POWER
45. PROBIOTICS FOR ATHLETES
46. PROBIOTIC PRODUCTION
47. STARTERS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY
48. NEWS

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate)

Vitamin B ₆ (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) is a water-soluble vitamin that enters the human body with various foods. Its active form, pyridoxal phosphate, is involved in more than 100 enzymatic metabolic reactions. It plays a crucial role in the formation and development of the nervous system in children and affects the functioning of the hematopoietic and immune systems.

Synonyms Russian

Pyridoxine.

Test method

High performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Units

ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

• Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the examination, you can drink pure non-carbonated water.
• Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Vitamin B ₆ is the common name for three substances that enter the human body with food: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Each of them in the process of metabolism passes into an active form – pyridoxal phosphate, which, being the most important coenzyme, takes part in the formation of erythrocytes, activation of immune reactions, the processes of glucose uptake by nerve cells and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, in protein metabolism (required for transamination of amino acids), as well as in the metabolism of fats, providing a lipotropic and hypocholesterolemic effect.

The norm of consumption B ₆ for an adult is about 1.3 mg per day, during pregnancy and lactation the need for it increases to 1.8-2.0 mg per day. Cereal sprouts, walnuts and hazelnuts, spinach, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and white cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, cherries, liver, meat, and fish are especially rich in this vitamin. In addition, it is synthesized by the intestinal microflora.

With a balanced diet, the lack of B ₆ is extremely rare. However, a number of factors increase the risk of hypovitaminosis:

• decreased kidney function,
• autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc. ),
• homocysteinuria,
• long-term use of certain drugs (cycloserine, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin, theophylline-containing drugs, etc.),
• alcohol dependence.

What is research used for?

To detect deficiency or excess of vitamin B ₆ in a patient. More often, this test is part of a comprehensive diagnosis of hypovitaminosis (for example, in people at risk) or monitoring the level of vitamins during vitamin therapy.

When is the test ordered?

When the patient has signs of deficiency or excess of B ₆ .

Deficiency symptoms B ₆ :

• microcytic anemia,
• dermatitis, including cheilitis (bites at the corners of the mouth), seborrhea and glossitis (swelling of the tongue),
• depression,
• lethargy,
• confusion,
• weakened immune status,
• in children – irritability, heightened hearing, convulsions.

Symptoms of overabundance B ₆ :

• severe incoordination, painful skin lesions, increased sensitivity to sunlight), nausea, heartburn.

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​

Causes of increased B levels ₆ :

• long-term vitamin therapy with B drugs

Causes of low B levels ₆ :

• pregnancy,
• diseases of the small intestine with malabsorption syndrome,
• long-term use of many antibiotics, antiepileptics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, antidepressants and oral contraceptives,
• kidney disease,
• excessive drinking,
• insufficient amount of vitamins in the diet.