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Vitamin
B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major
chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and
is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6
is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein
metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell
metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6
to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the
conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a
vitamin).
Pyridoxine is helpful in alleviating
water retention. It also helps produce hydrochloric acid,
and absorb fats and protein.
B6 can help maintain
Potassium and Sodium balance, and red blood cell formation.
Also vital for normal cell growth and division, and the
synthesis of RNA and DNA. Involved in more biological
functions than any other single nutrient with the possible
exception of Vitamin E. In once clinical study,
approximately one-third of a healthy elderly population
had marginal Vitamin B6 deficiency. Supplementation with
the vitamin in elderly subjects has produced significant
improvement in immune function as determined by a number
of laboratory tests, including lymphocyte responses to
both T and B cell mitogens.
Pyridoxine was also studied as
a possible treatment for the relief of symptoms of PMS.
Results of the early study were encouraging, and a larger,
more intensive study has been called for.
Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men =
2 mg; Women = 1.6 mg; Pregnant Women = 2.2 mg
IMPORTANCE:
- Necessary for the synthesis &
breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein
- aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism
- aids in the formation of antibodies
- maintains the central nervous system
- aids in the removal of excess fluid of
premenstrual women
- promotes healthy skin
- reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand
numbness, nausea & stiffness of hands
- helps maintain a proper balance of
sodium & phosphorous in the body
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
- Nervousness
- insomnia
- skin eruptions
- loss of muscular control
- anemia
- mouth disorders
- muscular weakness
- dermatitis
- arm & leg cramps
- loss of hair
- slow learning
- water retention
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