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Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) General Description Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex vitamin group. The B vitamins are used by the body as coenzymes, which make biochemical reactions possible. B-6 consists of three substances, pyridoxine, pyridoxal phosphate, and pyridoxamine. All three forms can be utilized by the human body, but only pyridoxine is officially designated as B-6. Pyridoxine deficiency can result in skin and nervous system disorders, dizziness, convulsions, kidney stones, and anemia. Food sources Vitamin B-6 is found in foods such as meats and organ meats, poultry, whole-grain cereals and bread, avocadoes, spinach, green beans, sunflower seeds, and bananas. Health applications Homocysteine Tardive dyskinesia Asthma Celiac disease Kidney stones Autism Premenstrual syndrome Functions and uses Vitamin B-6 enables many enzymatic reactions in the body. The brain and central nervous system require B-6 as a catalyst for the formation of their chemical transmitters. B-6 is needed for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and of tryptophane into nicotinic acid (vitamin B-3). It also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of amino acids. Homocysteine Many of the health benefits provided by pyridoxine relate to its role in controlling plasma homocysteine levels. High blood homocysteine levels may contribute to thrombosis,1 atherosclerosis,1,2,3 coronary artery disease,3,4 and cardiovascular disease.5 Studies indicate that pyridoxine can reduce plasma homocysteine levels and that this action is enhanced by the inclusion of folic acid.3 Tardive dyskinesia There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of pyridoxine in treating tardive dyskinesia. Early studies were not encouraging, however there is case study evidence which suggests that pyridoxine may reduce the frequency and intensity of the involuntary movements associated with the disorder.6,7 Asthma In one case study, 76 children with severe bronchial asthma were treated daily with 200 mg of pyridoxine, while their dosage of bronchodilators and cortisone was reduced. The study indicates that each showed improvement in their symptoms from this 5 month treatment.8 However, other studies indicate that pyridoxine does not improve the symptoms of severe asthma and that such treatment is unjustified.9 Kidney Stones Studies suggest that large treatments of pyridoxine may decrease oxalate production, and that this may help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.10,11 However, more long-term studies are needed to further elucidate its effectiveness as a viable and consistent treatment for those at risk of kidney stones. Autism Linus Pauling's orthomolecular hypothesis states that some forms of disease and mental illness are related to biochemical errors in the body. There is evidence that vitamin therapy can counteract some of these errors. For example, studies demonstrate that pyridoxine and magnesium supplementation may improve many symptoms of autism.13-17 Researchers cite clinical as well as empirical evidence in support of this therapy, but additional long-term studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.12 Premenstrual syndrome There is conflicting evidence as to the efficacy of pyridoxine in the treatment of depression related to premenstrual syndrome. 18 Some trials demonstrate that pyridoxine can improve PMS-induced depression,19 however there are no significant conclusions on the subject. Long term intake of B-6 at high doses can be toxic. Therefore, regarding pyridoxine and PMS-induced depression, it is generally recommended that a normal dietary intake of pyridoxine may provide the most benefits with the least risk. Dosage and Toxicity If taken in large doses, B-6 can cause varied neurological symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet, and a general loss in sensory perception. It is generally considered nontoxic when taken in doses up to 100 mg daily. Because B-6 is needed to process protein, an increased dietary intake of protein necessitates increased consumption of B-6. The RDI recommendation is 2 mg of vitamin B-6 for every 100 grams of dietary protein.