October
2007
Vitamin B6(Pyridoxine, Pridoxal, Pyridoxamine)
Vitamin B6, like all the B Vitamins are involved in many important functions within the body. Vitamin B6 is primarily involved as a coenzyme where it combines or works with other enzymes to create many necessary chemical reactions. On a daily basis Vitamin B6 could be considered one of the most active chemicals in our system. Vitamin B6 is directly involved in manufacturing Amino Acids which are required for building protein. Vitamin B6 assists in the production of various brain neurotransmitters, which can best be described as chemical messengers within the brain, and assists the immune system to function properly. The synthesis of red blood cells and the release of stored energy both require chemical reactions prompted by the presence of Vitamin B6. There is also a leveling out of hormonal spikes provided by Vitamin B6 which has made it effective for the treatment of acne and may provide relief for PMS by assisting the liver to rid the body of excess estrogen. Usually taken in supplemental form as a B Vitamin complex the combination of Vitamin B12 and B6 may aid the body to process homocysteine, which at elevated levels has shown to increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin B6 is also reported to minimize memory loss at the onset or early stages of Alzheimers disease.
While important for both men and women, Vitamin B6 appears to have many benefits effecting the hormone fluctuation in women. There is a leveling out effect of hormonal spikes provided by Vitamin B6 which has made it effective for the treatment of many symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. From acne to PMS or Menopause Vitamin B6 has been shown to provide relief by assisting the liver to rid the body of excess estrogen. The female reproductive system also relies on Vitamin B6 for proper function and health to minimize female infertility.
Relatively, the chemical reactions provided by Vitamin B6 raises Progesterone levels and helps synthesize Serotonin, the neurotransmitter considered a mood enhancer. Another neurotransmitter believed to be synthesized by Vitamin B6 is Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which controls pain and dopamine. With these and other nervous system benefits it is reasonable to see why Vitamin B6 is used for treating depression, stress, and anxiety. With the addition of its anti-inflammatory and circulation improving properties Vitamin B6 is also used for treating carpel tunnel syndrome amongst a host of other physical ailments.
It may be surprising to learn that nearly one third of the population is Vitamin B6 deficient. Though not considered excessively Vitamin B6 deficient, indications claim some is age related while most is diet and lifestyle. Smokers, alcohol and oral contraceptive users, and poor diet make up the largest group at risk. Long term Vitamin B6 deficiency has been claimed for many nerve damaging diseases from mild dizziness to Tinnitus to Parkinsons disease. Though many foods are rich in Vitamin B6 the perfect diet may not always be available. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B6 is less than 2 mg a day but taking up to 200 mg daily is said to be well within the safe range. A daily regimen of 100 mg is usually recommended for many suffering certain ailments and directly benefiting from this higher amount. 50 mg is usually considered plenty for prevention and optimum health. Before increasing or supplementing Vitamin B6 it is recommended to visit your doctor or other qualified medical professional since each individual is different, and some prescription medications may interact with Vitamin B6.