Description
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Overview
Pyridoxine, more commonly known as vitamin B6, is one of the essential nutrients required for a variety of bodily functions and for maintaining the health of our nerves, skin and red blood cells. The human body can’t produce vitamin B6 naturally, so it needs to be obtained through diet or supplements. Pyridoxine is naturally found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, bananas, avocados, nuts and whole grains. Most people acquire the necessary amount of vitamin B6 in their normal diet. However, some conditions and medications may cause some people to become deficient.
Once ingested, pyridoxine is converted into its active form, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), which plays a pivotal role in various metabolic processes, including:
Amino Acid Metabolism: PLP actively participates in the metabolism of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins. It aids not only in their breakdown but also in the construction of new proteins.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Neurotransmitters, chemicals vital for brain function and mental health, rely on PLP for their synthesis. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of serotonin, dopamine and GABA – crucial neurotransmitters that regulate mood, sleep, and other functions.
Hemoglobin Production: Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in our red blood cells, needs vitamin B6 for its production. This function is critical for delivering oxygen throughout the body.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune Function: Vitamin B6 is known to aid in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. It facilitates the production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses.
