Vitamin B6 and Pyroluria
Vitamin B6, a water soluble organic micronutrient, belong to the group of vitamin B-complex.
Vitamin B6 is believed to be involved in more bodily reactions than any other micronutrient.
There are traditionally three active forms of this vitamin, namely
pyridoxamine,
pyridoxine and
pyridoxal.
Pyridoxal is the highly useful form and is very important for human
metabolism.
VitaminB6 is essential for human body to turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.
This vitamin also plays a very important role in the maintenance of healthy
nervous and immune systems.

nuts are good source of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 along with folic acid and vitamin B12 controls and inhibits the formation
of an amino acid called homocysteine, which is found to cause
cardio vascular diseases by depositing cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 by regulating hormone production, helps in the control of red blood corpuscles
from forming blood clots, which can endanger life.
Gluconeogenesis is a process in which glucose is generated from amino acids and vitamin B6
is a coenzyme for this reaction.
Vitamin B6 helps in the making of many
neurotransmitters which are the chemicals responsible
for carrying signals between the nerve cells.
Vitamin B6 helps in the production of the red blood corpuscles and white blood corpuscles.
The proper absorption of vitamin B12 depends on the
availability of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential micronutrient for the development and function of
brain and for the
synthesis of the hormones melatonin, norepinephrine and serotonin which are connected with brain functions.
Nearly hundred enzymes in the body are in some way or other connected with vitamin B6
for their normal functions.
Vitamin B6 is believed to help in treating
diabetes, heart ailments, seizures
and many premenstrual syndromes.
Vitamin B6 is believed to increase the body's resistance to
cancer.
In amino acid metabolism, vitamin B6 is required for their synthesis as well as their break down.
Deficiency
Deficiency of vitamin B6 is very rare and mild deficiency may exist in alcoholics, children and aged people.
Certain medicines also may cause deficiency of this vitamin.
Pyroluria is caused in case of severe deficiency.
Muscle weakness, dermatitis, nervousness, ulcers, irritability, angular cheilitis, depression,
conjunctivitis,
memory loss and neuropathy are the symptoms encountered in the deficiency of vitamin B6.
Toxicity
Toxicity of vitamin B6 is not come across in consuming of food sources rich in this vitamin.
There are certain side effects like neuropathy, nerve damage and imbalances in the activity of the
nervous system, when excess of supplements are consumed.
However in most occasions this is reversed on stoppage of the supplements.
Sources
Protein rich foods are good sources of vitamin B6. Cereals, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits and vegetables, avacados, and dairy products are good sources of vitamin B6.
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By Mahmood Syed Faheem
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Disclaimer: Not professional advice - The above content is just for informational & educational purpose only If you need specific medical advice please seek a professional doctor who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.