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Vitamin B6 Deficiencies

Vitamin B6 otherwise known as Pyridoxine has been linked to a number of health claims.

This article will give you a breif overview of why we need B6 and also let you in on the facts about what it can and can't do.

What Vitamin B6 Does

B6 is vital for a number of reasons, but if you know plenty about B6 and just want to skip to what it's been proven to do then just scroll down the page to the Latest Clinical Research.

B6 is very important for amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The high number of metabolic reactions it is needed for makes B6 a vital nutrient. For example, it aids in the synthess if seretonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, 3 very important 'feel good' chemicals.

B6 also has an important role in the production of the heme in hemoglobin of the red blod cell.

Pyridoxine has shown to have some antioxidant properties.

Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms

Peripheral problems You can experience numbness and pain in the fingers and toes.

Skin You may have oily eczema, rashes or hives.

Central Nervous system problems You may experience depression, irritability and insomnia.

Are You In a High Risk Category For a B6 Deficiency?

There are certain conditions that can affect the levels of pyridoxine. These include:

Alcoholism

Malabsorption Disorders such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and anorexia.

Congestive Heart Failure

Hyperthyroidism

Cirrhosis A chronic degenerative disease of the liver.

Uremia This is excessive amounts of urea in the blood, this can occur in renal failure.

Supplementation is vital for anyone with any of these conditions.

Latest Clinical Research

Sideroblastic anaemia
This anaemia which involves amongst other things, decreased hemoglobin synthesis has been proven to help with supplementation of B6.

Homocystinuria
This abnormal level of homocystine (amino acid) in the blood and urine is cause by deficiencies in particular metabolic pathways. Vitamin B6 is part of this pathway and research has shown that supplementation with this and a complex of other B Vitamins, is effective in reducing homocystine levels.

N.B. Elevated homocystine levels can be a strong concern for coronary problems, atherosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and myocardial infarction. If you are in the high risk category for B6 deficiency, I strongly reccomend supplementation.

Nephrolithiasis (hereditary kidney stone disorder)
Research has found 'some' evidence that women with this disorder but haven't developed stones yet, have benefited from taking B6 as it appeared to prevent the formation of stones. Research is still undergoing.

Lung cancer
Early evidence has shown that male smokers that supplement with B6 have a lower risk of developing cancer.

PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome)
There is strong evidence that pyridoxine can ease PMS related depression and breast tenderness.

Nausea and Vomiting related to Pregnancy
25mg of pyridoxine twice daily has been proven to ease severe nausea and vomiting. Due to the limitations of what medications you can take while pregnant, Vitamin B6 is a good starting point.