BUSY “B”
The positives of pyridoxine, vitamin B-6.
A vitamin is, by definition, a nutrient the body cannot make, but needs for numerous daily metabolic functions. As a multitasking powerhouse, vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is no exception.
Though B-6 plays several roles, its influence on the blood marker homocysteine may be most important. As part of the metabolic turnover of certain proteins and amino acids, everyone has homocysteine in their blood. However, research is mounting that this byproduct may be a risk factor for stroke, blood vessel disease, osteoporosis, depression, dementia, macular degeneration and osteoporosis. Elevated levels in the bloodstream can be successfully treated with vitamins B-12, folic acid and B-6 in combination.
On top of its positive role in brain, cardiovascular, mood and bone health, multiple studies have linked higher B-6 levels in the blood to lower colon cancer rates [1,2,3]. It has also shown benefit with PMS symptoms and depression [4,5]. Many of the neurotransmitters (signaling chemicals between nerves) that affect pain and mood are made by processes that require B-6 [6]. Medications used to treat schizophrenia often produce significant, limiting side effects. Research has documented a protective effect of B-6 against many of these [7,8].
Commonly, this vitamin is paired with magnesium for better results, particularly when treating carpal tunnel, kidney stones and even autism. The data regarding B-6 and carpal tunnel is limited and doesn’t demonstrate strong improvement, but since B-6 is tolerated well, it’s often suggested as an adjunct treatment [9].
Kidney stone sufferers should consider the B-6/magnesium combination as a preventative measure [10]. The majority of the benefit may actually come from the magnesium, but some patients do gain further help from B-6 [11]. The treatment for autism is extremely complicated. That said, some research has found improvement in social interaction and communication in patients with developmental delay when given B-6 and magnesium in combination [12].
Vitamin B-6 deficiency symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and even seizures [13,14]. Isoniazid, hydralazine, penicillamine and oral birth control pills are all medications thought to decrease levels of this nutrient in the body [15].
Dietary sources of B-6 include proteins such as fish, beef and chicken, as well as bananas, garbanzo beans and potatoes [16]. Many fortified cereals and grain products often contain B-6 also.
As a supplement, this vitamin is commonly sold by itself as pyridoxine, or in a more active form, called pyridoxal-5-phosphate. The dosage of B-6 is typically 10 mg for health maintenance. Treatment dosages range from 50-100 mg for PMS, carpal tunnel, kidney stones and elevated homocysteine, and 100-400 mg for those with schizophrenia. These dosages should be coordinated with a physician. B-6 appears very safe and tolerable as a primary or additional treatment. Magnesium at a dose of 400-600 mg daily, taken along with B-6, may enhance the success of the treatment.
Some side effects of B-6 may include changes in the nerve function of the hands and feet, leading to decreased sensation or change in gait [16]. These symptoms usually occur at 2,000 mg or more daily and dissipate when the dosage is decreased. B-6 may have a blocking effect on the Parkinson’s disease drug L-dopa, and may lessen the efficacy of antiseizure medications phenobarbital and phenytoin [16].
References:
1. Wei, E.K. (2005). Plasma vitamin B-6 and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst, 97(9):684-92.
2. Kune, G. (2006). Colorectal cancer protective effects and the dietary micronutrients folate, methionine, vitamins B-6, B-12, C, E, selenium, and lycopene. Nutr Cancer, 56(1):11-21.
3. Matsubara, K. (2003). Vitamin B-6-mediated suppression of colon tumorigenesis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis (review). J Nutr Biochem,14(5):246-50.
4. Proctor, M.L., Murphy, P.A. (2002). Herbal dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea (Cochrane Review). The Cochrane Library, Issue 2. Oxford: Update Software.
5. Hvas, A.M., Juul, S., Bech, P., et al. (2004). Vitamin B-6 level is associated with symptoms of depression. Psychother Psychosom, 73.(6):340-343.
6. Kemper, K.J. (2007). Complementary and alternative medicine therapies to promote healthy moods. Pediatr Clin North Am, 54(6):901-26;x.
7. Miodownik, C. (2003). Vitamin B-6 add-on therapy in treatment of schizophrenic patients with psychotic symptoms and movement disorders. Harefuah, 142(8-9):592-6, 647.
8. Miodownik, C. (2006). Vitamin B-6 versus mianserin and placebo in acute neuroleptic-induced akathisia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Clin Neuropharmacol, 29(2):68-72.
9. Holm, G. (2003). Carpal tunnel syndrome: Current theory, treatment, and the use of B-6. J Am Acad Nurse Pract, 15(1):18-22.
10. Rattan, V. (1994). Effect of combined supplementation of magnesium oxide and pyridoxine in calcium-oxalate stone formers. Urol Res, 22(3):161-5.
11. Assimos, D.G. (2000). Role of diet in the therapy of urolithiasis. Urol Clin North Am, 27(2):255-68.
12. Mousain-Bosc, M. (2006). Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B-6. II. Pervasive developmental disorder-autism. Magnes Res,19(1):53-62.
Other Trusted Sources:
Mayo Clinic
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements
Supplements
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