The Ortho Molecular Answer

Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine

 

Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine

 

  • Vitamin B-6 is involved in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds as well as chemical transmitters in the nervous system, red blood cells and prostaglandins. 

 

  • It is critical in maintaining hormone balance and proper immune functioning.  

 

  • B-6 aids in food assimilation and in protein and fat metabolism. 

 

  • It is also required in the prevention of various nerve and skin disorders as well as key in preventing nausea.

 

  • B-6 is required for more than 60 different enzymes. 

 

  • It is vital in multiplication of all cells and is critical to a healthy pregnancy. 

 

  • B6 is critical in brain chemistry because it is involved in the manufacture of all amino acid neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, epinephrine, norephinephrine, etc.

 

  • Deficiency may result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions and loss of muscular control.

 

  • Standard medical research incorrectly considers Vitamin B-6 as a dangerous vitamin to ingest in large quantities.  Previous studies indicated that too high levels caused neurological changes in those taking it.  Through orthomolecular research it has been found that the observed neurological changes in the patients was likely a result of either too much of only one vitamin, or not enough magnesium to counterbalance the affects of the large dose.

 

  • For most patients, orthomolecular scientists do not prescribe extremely large doses.

 

  • It is often used by children with learning and behavioural problems with the side affect of increased activity.  This will not occur if the child is also consuming enough magnesium.   

 

  • Natural food sources include meat, fish, wheat germ, egg yolk, cantaloupe, cabbage, milk and brewer's yeast.

 

  • Whole grains, legumes, bananas, seeds and nuts, potatoes, brussel sprouts and cauliflower.  Vitamin B6 levels in the cells are linked to magnesium content of ones diet.

 

Yeast, torula

Yeast, Brewers

Sunflower seeds

Wheat germ, toasted

Soybeans, dry

Walnuts

Soybean, flour

Lentils, dry

Lima beans, dry

Buvkwheat flour

Blackeye peas, dry

Navy beans, dry

Brown rice

Hazelnuts

Garbanzos, dry

Pinto beans, dry

Bananas

Avocados

Whole wheat flour

Chestnuts, fresh

Kale

Rye flour

Spinach

Turnip greens

Peppers, sweet

Potatoes

Prunes

Raisins

Brussel sprouts

Barley

Sweet potatoes

Cauliflower

 

  • Common uses in traditional medicine include for asthma, autism, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, immune enhancement, kidney stones, osteoporosis and PMS