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Vitamin B6
Description: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is necessary for the processing of amino acids. It is also needed to make dopamine, Melatonin, and serotonin. It aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters, and is essential to the regulation of mental processes and mood.
While severe Vitamin B6 deficiencies are rare, they can cause such problems as impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. Marginal deficiencies are sometimes found in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives.
Vitamin B6 increases the absorption of magnesium.
Coenzyme Q10, when used with Iron and Vitamin B6, it has been shown to help prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s for up to two and one half years.1
A lack of Vitamin B6 has been found in many asthma sufferers.2 This may be due to the fact that the medications in many asthma inhalers interfere with the absorption of B6 by the body.3 In mild to average cases, the addition of a B6 supplement to the diet appears to lessen the occurrence of asthma attacks.4
When taken as a group, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 have been shown to help lower HCL cholesterol levels.5 Higher levels of these three nutrients are often seen in patients with low levels of HCL.6 In some cases, the addition of a daily dose of betaine is needed before HCL levels reduce.7 Different amounts of each nutrient have been used in various studies; it is probably best to consult with a physician about the proper dosage.
Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and Pantothenic Acid appear to be of great use to athletes in reaching their full potential.8
Vitamin B6 deficiency has been seen in many ADHD patients.9 While not always effective alone,10 B6 taken in conjunction with Ritalin (a commonly used prescription medication for the treatment of ADHD) has often been shown effective.11 Care should be taken, however, as high levels of B6 can be toxic.12
While herbs and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties may help ease the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, only Vitamin B6 has been shown to specifically work with CTS symptoms. Many patients with CTS have shown signs of B6 deficiency.13 100mg of B6 taken three times daily has been shown to offer great relief of pain and other symptoms.14 Other studies suggest that lower dosages are also effective.15 If a lower dose is effective, this is probably the best approach, as high levels of B6 supplementation can cause nerve damage.16,17 In most people, supplementation of up to 500 mg of Vitamin B6 daily is safe,18 but it is best to check with a health professional before taking high dosage supplements of this vitamin for an extended period of time.
The full class of B vitamins (including B6, B12, and Folic Acid) are often deficient in patients with depression.19 Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, deplete these nutrients in the body, making mood swings more common. Supplementation with Vitamin B6 is extremely helpful in the treatment of depression associated with oral contraceptives20 or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).21
Many diabetics, especially those with nerve damage,22 have low blood levels of Vitamin B6.23 B6 supplements appear especially effective in treatment of gestational diabetes.24
Vitamin B6 is an effective anti-inflammatory and pain relief agent that may be helpful in the treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Condition.
Vitamin B6, like Magnesium, is used to convert oxalate, and may be helpful in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.25
Several B vitamins – Folic Acid, B6, and B12 – reduce blood levels of homocystene. Since high homocystene levels appear to contribute to osteoporosis, taking these B vitamins may be an effective preventative measure.26
Vitamin B6 taken daily can help relieve the symptoms of PMS.27,28 This is due to B6’s effectiveness in treating depression and as an anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin B6 may prevent the onset of retinopathy.29

Natural Sources: Bananas, Lentils, Liver, Potatoes, Raisin Bran, Tuna, Turkey.

Useful in treatment of: Alzheimer’s Disease, asthma, atherosclerosis, Athletics and Sports, ADHD, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, depression, diabetes, Fibrocystic Breast Condition, high cholesterol, kidney stones, osteoporosis, pregnancy and post-partum, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, retinopathy.

Recommended Dosage: 200 mg daily.

Contraindications: Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg daily. Long-term high dose supplementation may cause nerve and sensory damage.

References:

1Imagawa M, Naruse S, Tsuji S, et al. Coenzyme Q10, iron, and vitamin B6 in genetically-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet 1992;340:671.
2Collipp PJ et al. Tryptophane metabolism in bronchial asthma. Ann Allergy 1975;35:153–58.
3Weir MR et al. Depression of vitamin B6 levels due to theophylline. Ann Allergy 1990;65:59–62.
4Sur S, Camara M, Buchmeier A, et al. Double-blind trial of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in the treatment of steroid-dependent asthma. Ann Allerg 1993;70:141-52.
5Ubbink JB, Hayward WJ, van der Merwe A, et al. Vitamin requirements for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in humans. J Nutr 1994;124:1927–33.
6Selhub J, Jacques PF, Wilson PW, et al. Vitamin status and intake as primary determinants of homocysteinemia in an elderly population. JAMA 1993;270:2693–98.
7Franken DG, Boers GHJ, Blom HJ, et al. Treatment of mild hyperhomocysteinemia in vascular disease patients. Arterioscler Thromb 1994;14:465–70.
8Keith R, Alt L. Riboflavin status of female athletes consuming normal diets. Nutr Res 1991;11(7):727-34.
9Bhagavan HN, Coleman M, Coursin DB. The effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride on blood serotonin and pyridoxal phosphate contents in hyperactive children. Pediatrics 1975;55:437–41.
10Haslam RHA. Is there a role for megavitamin therapy in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Adv Neurol 1992;58:303–10.
11Coleman M, Steinberg G, Tippett J, et al. A preliminary study of the effect of pyridoxine administration in a subgroup of hyperkinetic children: A double-blind crossover comparison with methylphenidate. Biol Psych 1979;14:741–51.
12Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A, et al. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. N Engl J Med 1983;309(8):445–48.
13Fuhr JF, Farrow A, Nelson HS. Vitamin B6 levels in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Arch Surg 1989;124:1329-30.
14Ellis JM, Azuma J, Watanbe T, Folkers K. Survey and new data on treatment with pyridoxine of patients having a clinical syndrome including the carpal tunnel and other defects. Res Comm Chem Path Pharm 1977;17(1):165-77.
15 D’Souza M. Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical or neurophysiological diagnosis. Lancet 1985;i:1104-5.
16Parry G, Bredesen DE. Sensory neuropath with low-dose pyridoxine. Neurology 1985;35:1466–68.
17Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A, et al. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. N Engl J Med 1983;309(8):445–48.
18Gaby AR. Literature review & commentary. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Jun 1990:338–39.
19Reynolds E et al. Folate deficiency in depressive illness. Brit J Psychiatr 1970;117:287–92.
20Adams PW, Wynn V, Rose DP, et al. Effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) upon depression associated with oral contraception. Lancet 1973;I:897–904.
21Gunn ADG. Vitamin B6 and the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Internat J Vit Nutr Res 1985 (Suppl 27):213–24 (review).
22McCann VJ, Davis RE. Serum pyridoxal concentrations in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Austral NZ Med 1978;8:259–61.
23Davis RE, Calder JS, Curnow DH. Serum pyridoxal and folate concentrations in diabetics. Pathol 1976;8:151–6.
24Coelingh HJT, Schreurs WHP. Improvement of oral glucose tolerance in gestational diabetes by pyridoxine. BMJ 1975;3:13–15.
25Ettiniger B, Citron JT, Livermore B, Dolman LI. Chlorthalidone reduces calcium oxalate calculus recurrence but magnesium hydroxide does not. J Urol 1988;139:679–84.
26Gaby AR. Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis. Rocklin, CA Prima Publishing, 1994.
27Brush MG, Perry M. Pyridoxine and the premenstrual syndrome. Lancet 1985;i:1399 [letter].
28Williams MJ, Harris RI, Deand BC. Controlled trial of pyridoxine in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. J Int Med Res 1985;13:174–9.
29Ellis JM, Folkers K, Minadeo M, et al. A deficiency of vitamin B6 is a plausible molecular basis of the retinopathy of patients with diabetes mellitus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1991;179:615–19.
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