Vitamin B-6 helps to build and break down amino acids.
Vitamin B-6 , also called pyridoxine or pyridoxine hydrochloride, is part of the B complex group of vitamins.
It helps to build and break down amino acids and has a wide variety of metabolic functions in the body, especially in amino acid metabolism and in the central nervous system.
Vitamin B6 is a co-factor in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body.
These include the formation and breakdown of amino acids, the conversion of amino acids to carbohydrate or fat, and in fat metabolism.
It is involved in the manufacture of most protein-related compounds and plays a role in almost all bodily processes.
Benefits of Vitamin B-6
Central Nervous System
Adequate vitamin B6 is vital to the healthy development and function of the nervous system.
It is involved in the manufacture of several neurotransmitters, and plays an important role in regulating mental processes and mood.
Immune System
Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in many different aspects of the immune system, including the quality and quantity of antibodies and the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Vitamin B-6 is also involved in the manufacture of hormones and red blood cells, sodium-potassium balance, histamine metabolism, and the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
Cardiovascular System
Vitamin B-6 has been observed to exert beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system through several suggested mechanisms.
The first is vitamin B-6's role in maintaining a normal homocysteine level.
Homocysteine is a byproduct of amino acid metabolism. Low circulating levels of homocysteine are associated with heart and vascular health.
Vitamin B-6 is essential for the manufacture of fat-derived substances known as prostaglandins which are involved in processes such as blood pressure regulation, heart function and platelet aggregation.
Skin and Hair
Vitamin B-6 is important in maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Vitamin B-6 is effective in relieving some of the symptoms of PMS, including depression, breast tenderness and bloating.
Deficiency of vitamin B-6
Common symptoms of shortage are an acnelike skin disorder about the eyes, nose, mouth and behind the ears; cracked lips; nervousness; sadness; nerve irritation; and blood disorders.
Several drugs keep the body from using pyridoxine, so extra amounts of the vitamin are needed with their use.
Sources of Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine )
Foods high in pyridoxine are meats, especially organ meats, whole-grain cereals, soybeans, peanuts, wheat germ, and brewer's yeast.