Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. It is part of the B-complex and is water-soluble. It was originally known as Adermin and had been applied to cure dermatitis in young rats. Pyridoxine was discovered in 1938 from yeast and liver, and the same year- it was synthesized. Actually, it is not a vitamin, but a group of vitamins - pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, which are mutually converted into each other. They are related compounds and have similar biological activity.
Vitamin B6 is excreted within eight hours after taking, and like the other B vitamins, it is acquired by obtaining whole foods or supplements. Vitamin B6 stimulates proper assimilation of fats and proteins and contributes to tranforming tryptophan (an essential amino acid) to niacin. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Alcohol, caffeine, birth control pills, canning and thermal processing of foods, radiation and estrogen can cause destruction of pyridoxine or preventing its absorption.
Daily intake and sources of Vitamin B6
Recommended daily dose: 2 mg
Safe Upper Limit: 100 mg
The best food sources of vitamin B6 are bananas, beef, brewer's yeast, brown rice, chicken, eggs, oats, peanuts, soybeans, nuts, whole- wheat , liver and avocados. These foods do not always provide the right amount of Vitamin B6. In most cases, the food can provide about 1 mg. B6 supplementation provide visible results after about six weeks. It works optimally in combination with vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin C and magnesium.
Useful properties of Vitamin B6
Among the beneficial properties of vitamin B6 are relieving nausea and reducing problems associated with dry mouth and urination issues. In the female body, it plays an important role in maintaining the balance of sexual hormones and prevents oncopathology. Along with folic acid, vitamin B6 has hypo cholesterol effect and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamin B6 may reduce the need for insulin in diabetics, but if the dose is not complied with could get low blood sugar as a reaction. People who suffer from arthritis should also be taking B6.
Vitamin B6 is used against toxicosis during pregnancy, for premenstrual syndrome, various types of Parkinson's, chorea, diseases of the peripheral nervous system (radiculitis, neuritis), pellagra, chronic and acute gastritis (abnormal function of the person’s stomach), gastric ulcer and duodenal , chronic cholecystitis (appears in the process of the removal of your gall bladder), anemia, radiation sickness, dermatitis, herpes, neuro dermatitis, psoriasis , ixsedative diathesis, the vitamin helps to prevent or reduce the toxicity risks when taking certain medications. U.S. scientists have shown that regular intake of vitamin C and high levels in the blood prevents the development of lung cancer.
Studies show that high levels of vitamin B6 and the methionine amino acid reduce the risk of cancer of the lung by more than 50%. Helps in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and loss of memory . Vitamin B6 is also an important assistant in the creation of neurotransmitters - chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with one another. As a result, the lack of B6 can damage memory.
Vitamin B6 performs the important role of ensuring that biological processes, including the metabolism of fats and proteins flow properly. In the absence of vitamin B6, the metabolism actually changes. Scientists are still working on the disclosure of the beneficial properties of Vitamin B6. It can be a good assistant for termination of asthma attacks by reducing the levels of histamine in the body, providing protection against atherosclerosis by reducing the amount of chemicals in the body, depleting the arterial walls.
Of all the group B Complex Vitamins, B6 is most important for body builders, thanks to its role in the process of metabolism and assimilation of amino acids. It is a natural diuretic and is used to clear excess water from the body before a show without any harmful side effects (other diuretics can cause an imbalance in the system). Athletes who receive larger amounts of protein have increased needs of pyridoxine. 100 g daily protein intake is suggested, a;png with 250 mg Vitamin B6.
Deficiency of Vitamin B6
Deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause many health issues and many diseases as suggested by the lack of pyridoxine. Lack of B6 can cause nerve damage in your arms and legs. According to some studies, people with diabetes suffer less from numbness and tingling associated with nerve damage, when taking extra B vitamins such as B6 and B12. Vitamin B6 deficiency causes more swelling and stiffness of the lining of the nerves in your wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies of B6 may hinder the ability of inflamed nerves to send a pain signal.
Acute shortage of Vitamin B6 occurs in alcoholism , which enhances alcoholic psychosis. Vitamin B6 deficiency can occur ftom having to take in anti- tuberculosis medicines and oral contraceptives. Vitamin B6 deficiency is signaled by depression, psychosis, increased irritability, peripheral neuritis, expressed premenstrual syndrome , as well as the development of anemia when fully providing the body with iron, dermatitis could appear and your mouth and tongue may become inflamed.
Overdose of Vitamin B6
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin B6 is associated with serious neurological disorders, as well as sensitivity to sunlight. This can lead to skin rashes and numbness. According to experts, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking more than 100 mg of B6 daily. This vitamin can also be obtained as part of tablets with the vitamin B complex, which supplies the recommended daily intake of all B vitamins .
People on therapy for Parkinson's disease should completely avoid B6 supplements because this vitamin may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. People taking medicines for tuberculosis or penicillin for Wilson's disease, poisoning, kidney stones and arthritis should also consult a doctor before taking extra vitamin B6.
