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Pyridoxine

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Proper name	Pyridoxine
Category	Vitamin
Functions	B6 is involved in over 60 enzymes. Essential for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and for the conversion of glutamic acid to gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), both essential neurotransmitters. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression. Low serotonin causes low levels of melatonin. Melatonin is required to induce restful sleep. Required for amino acid metabolism. Transfers nitrogen from amino acids to form other amino acids and transfers sulfur from the amino acid methionine to form other sulphur compounds. Actively transports amino acids from the intestines to the blood stream and from the blood stream inside the cells. Regulates production of niacin from tryptophan. Required for the formation of heme, the core of hemoglobin. B6 deficiency results in increased estrogen production in some women, causing breast tenderness, mood swings (especially crying), irregular bleeding and heavy menstrual flow. B6 helps to break down the amino acid, Homocysteine. Excess Homocysteine damages the lining of the blood vessels leading to cardiovascular disease. Facilitates conversion of glycogen (storage form of glucose) into glucose (blood sugar).
RDA	2 mg per day for men, 1.6 mg per day for women. A study by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture suggests 80% of Americans consume less than the RDA for Vitamin B6.
Therapeutic dose	50-100 mg per day is common. Women taking oral contraceptives develop additional need for B6 as do patients taking isoniazid (a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat tuberculosis). Pregnancy increases need.
Deficiency symptoms	Hypochromic anemia. Neuritis, irritability and convulsions. Elevated Homocysteine (cardiovascular disease) Lethargy, decreased alertness and sleep disturbances Nausea and vomiting. Seborrheic dermatitis. Pre-menstrual syndrome, bloat, water retention, cry easily. Used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, ringing in the ears, allergic rhinitis. Food sources Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, grains, seeds, liver and kidney.
Toxicity	Doses up to 2,000 mg per day for prolonged periods can cause reversible nerve damage and lack of muscular coordination. Symptoms include tingling in the hands and feet, poor coordination and stumbling.
Best forms	Pyridoxine, Pyridoxil 5 phosphate in cases of deficient zinc, magnesium or pancreatic of liver function
Food sources	Widely distributed in foods. Among the highest sources are liver, avocado and egg yolks.
Lab tests	Leukocyte pyridoxil phosphate, Hypochromic anemia, Urinary 4-pyruidoxic acid, elevated red cell aspartate transaminase
Drug interactions	B6 is depleted by Aminoglycosides, Bumetanide, Cephalosporins, Chortetracycline, Demeclocycline, Diethystilbestrol, Doxycycline, Estrogens, Ethacrynic Acid, Fluoroquinolones, Furosemide, Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, Isoniazid, Macrolides, Minocycline, Oral Contraceptives, Oxytetracycline, Penicillamine, Penicillins, Quinestrol, Raloxifene, Sulphamides, Tetracyclines, Theophyline, Torsemide, Trimethoprim.
Nutrient interactions	Works well with other nutrients, particularly Tryptophan and magnesium.
Metabolism	Pyridoxine is water soluble and heat stable but sensitive to light and alkali. B6 can be antagonized by alcohol, tobacco, rancid fats, fried foods, PCB's, Yellow dye #5, ethylene bromide (used to ripen fruit and vegetables), and other common chemicals. It is absorbed in the upper small intestine. Excess amounts are easily excreted as it is water -soluble.