Vitamin B-Complex

At Work in Protein Synthesis

One of the main jobs of pyridoxine is shuffling around amino acids to make the 5,000+ proteins the body needs to function properly. It is needed to turn the proteins an individual eats into amino acids the body can use. It is also needed to convert the storage form of carbohydrates in the body to a form the body can use for energy on demand.

It is also involved in the synthesis of over 60 different enzymes, plays a role in the multiplication of all cells, and in the production of red blood cells and the cells of the immune system. Of all the B vitamins, pyridoxine may be the most crucial for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system.* Further, through its effects on various minerals and brain neurotransmitters, it influences the nervous system.*

Working with the other B vitamins, especially folic acid and cobalamin, pyridoxine helps turn the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins an individual eats into energy for the body. Pyridoxine combines with folic acid (vitamin B9) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) to promote heart health by breaking down homocysteine.* All three need to be working together for maximum removal of homocysteine from the body.

Pyridoxine by itself, though, has some very potent roles in promoting cardiovascular health.* One of these attributes is keeping red blood cells from getting “sticky” and clumping together. When this occurs, the cells release very powerful chemicals that eventually cause vessel damage.

Pyridoxine has also been suggested to play a role in promoting the health of joints, airways, and the normal regulation of female hormones.* Further, pyridoxine’s exact role in the immune system may not yet be clearly defined, but it is without a doubt a key player in immune function.*

Scientific References

Abbas ZG and ABM Swai. Evaluation of the efficacy of thiamin and pyridoxine in the treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy. East Afr Med J. 74:803-808. 1997.

Amadio PC. Pyridoxine as an adjunct in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery. 10:237-241. 1985.

Anonymous. Can B6 add to the asthma therapy? Medical World News. p.63. August 11, 1986.

Ayback M, Sermet A, Ayyildiz MO, et al. Effect of oral pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on arterial blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Arzneimittelforschung. 45:1271-1273. 1995.

Collipp PJ, et al. Pyridoxine treatment of childhood bronchial asthma. Annals of Allergy. 35:93-97. 1975.

DiSorbo DM and G Litwack. Vitamin B6 kills hepatoma cells in culture. Nutr Cancer. 5(1):10-15. 1983.

DiSorbo DM, Wagner R Jr, and L Nathanson. In vivo and in vitro inhibition of B16 melanoma growth by B6. Nutr Cancer. 7:43. 1985.

Gridley DS, et al. In vivo and in vitro stimulation of cell mediated immunity by vitamin B6. Nutrition Research. 8:201-207. 1988.

Ink SL and LM Henderson. Vitamin B6 metabolism. Ann Rev Nutr. 4:445-470. 1984.

Jiao F-Y, Gao D-Y, Takuma Y, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of high dose intravenous pyridoxine in the treatment of recurrent seizures in children. Pediatr Neurol. 17:54-57. 1997.

Klejnen J, Ter Riet G and P Knipschild. Vitamin B6 in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome: a review. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 97:847-852. 1990.

Lakshmi AV and BA Ramalakashmi. Effect of pyridoxine or riboflavin supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in women with oral lesions. Natl Med J India. 11:171-172. 1998.

Parry GJ and DE Bredesen. Sensory neuropathy with low dose pyridoxine. Neurology. 35:1466-1468. 1985.

Pfeiffer SI, Benninger C, Schafer H, et al. Efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium in the treatment of autism: a methodology review and summary of outcomes. J Autism Develop Disorders. 25:481-493. 1995.

Pietz J, Benninger C, Schafer H, et al. Treatment of infantile spasms with high dosage vitamin B6. Epilepsia. 34:757-763. 1993.

Sahakian V, Rouse D, Sipes S, et al. Vitamin B6 is effective therapy for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study. Obstet Gynecol. 78(1):33-36. 1991.

Shizukuishi S, Nishii S, Ellis JM, et al. The carpal tunnel syndrome as a probable primary deficiency of vitamin B6 rather than a deficiency of a dependency state. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 95:1126-1130. 1980.

Talbott MC, Miller LT and NI Kerkvliet. Pyridoxine supplementation: Effect on lymphocyte responses in elderly persons. Am J Clin Nutr. 46:659. 1987.

Tang AM, Graham NM and AJ Saah. Effects of micronutrient intake on survival in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection. Am J Epidemiol. 143(12):1244-1256. 1996.

Vutyavanich T, Wongtrangan S and R Ruangsri. Pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 173:881-884. 1995.

Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PJ, et al. Efficacy of vitamin B6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. 318:1375-1381. 1999.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.