Vitamin B6

This is a water-soluble vitamin, which is excreted within eight hours after ingestion, and therefore it needs to be constantly replaced by eating whole foods or taking supplements. Vitamin B6 is actually a group of three substances: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. All forms exist routinely in foods, and have equal vitamin B6 activity. Vitamin B6 is fairly stable to heat but may be lost in cooking water. Exposure to alkalis and UV light lead to a reduction of vitamin B6 content.

The Benefits of Vitamin B6

Several groups of people who may become deficient in vitamin B6 and may therefore benefit from supplementation are:-

Woman on the contraceptive pill – may alleviate depression sometimes associated.
Pregnant women.
Alcoholics.
Smokers.
Bodybuilders consuming 200-300grams of protein a day.

As well as those listed above, there are several other conditions that have been shown to benefit from vitamin B6 supplementation. These are:-

Premenstrual syndrome – many medical practitioners are beginning to prescribe vitamin B6 for this condition up to 200mg daily.
Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting – due to irradiation, drug therapy, anaesthesia and travel sickness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Properties

Vitamin B6 is rapidly converted in the body to the coenzymes pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate. The coenzymes play essential parts in:-

Protein metabolism

Energy production

Fat metabolism

Central nervous system activity

Haemoglobin production

Contra-indications/Precautions

Should not be taken by anyone taking levadopa, or the anticonvulsants phenytoin and phenobarbitone.

Further Reading:-

Articles:

Brewers Yeast
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B Complex
What are Menstrual Problems?
What is Premenstrual Tension?

DISCLAIMER

THIS INFORMATION (AND ANY ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL) PROVIDED BY HEALTH REACTION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE ATTENTION OR ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. ANYONE WISHING TO EMBARK ON ANY DIETARY, DRUG, EXERCISE, OR OTHER LIFESTYLE CHANGE INTENDED TO PREVENT OR TREAT A SPECIFIC DISEASE OR CONDITION SHOULD FIRST CONSULT AND SEEK CLEARANCE FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. HEALTH REACTION STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE, BUT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES.