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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine is a B-complex vitamin, commonly referred to as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine actually refers to and includes three different compounds in varying amounts: pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids. It aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism and also aids in the formation of antibodies. Pyridoxine maintains the central nervous system, aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women and promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea & stiffness of hands. Pyridoxine helps maintain a proper balance of sodium & phosphorous in the body. Pyridoxine is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells. It is also used in the processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Pyridoxine reportedly may also be of benefit for children with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. Pyridoxine is essential in the tryptophan-serotonin conversion process and is part of the enzyme system which functions directly in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Pyridoxine is a decarboxylase co-factor required for the decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin. By providing the body with this vitamin at the same time that the supplemental tryptophan is administered, this important nutrient will be provided to individuals whose dietary intake may have been deficient. This will ensure efficient conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. The administration of pyridoxine may reduce the levels of homocysteine. The active forms of pyridoxine, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate, are coenzymes for numerous enzymes and as such, are essential for gluconeogenesis, niacin formation, and erythrocyte metabolism. Pyridoxine is a coenzyme for both cystathionine synthase and cystathionase, enzymes that catalyze the formation of cysteine from methionine. Homocysteine is an intermediate in this process and elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are recognized as a risk factor for vascular disease. Pyridoxine deficiency may result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, loss of muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders, muscular weakness, dermatitis, arm and leg cramps, loss of hair, slow learning, and water retention. Irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as general weakness, skin changes such as dermatitis and acne as well as asthma and allergies might develop when pyridoxine is in short supply. Symptoms may include nails that are ridged, an inflamed tongue as well as changes to bones--which can include osteoporosis and arthritis. Kidney stones may also appear. Women in particular may suffer from premenstrual fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual acne and nausea in early pregnancy.

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