Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

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Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

 

 

Vitamin B-6, also known as Pyridoxine, is one of the most essential

vitamins. It aids in the formation of healthy red blood cells and

supports more vital bodily functions than any other vitamin.

 

A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B-6 is needed to release energy from

the food we eat. As a coenzyme, B-6 participates in over sixty enzymatic

reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids

(the building blocks of protein) and essential fatty acids.

 

It is therefore needed for the proper growth of almost all the body

structures,and for almost ALL our bodily functions.

 

The Nervous System

 

One of the many systems dependent on vitamin B-6 is the nervous

system.

For instance, vitamin B-6 is necessary for the production of

serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain ---

substances, that when deficient, appears to be associated with

depression.

 

 

Although " megavitamin " therapy for phychiatric symptoms is

controversial, many studies indicate an association between B-6

deficiency and emotional illness, including depression and

schizophrenia.

 

Many practitioners, including myself, feel that there is enough

evidence to warrant its use as an alternative treatment when

psychotropic drugs fail or result in toxicity.

 

Research shows that B-6 may have a much greater effect on the nervous

systen than previously thought.Since it cannot be stored in the body,

it must be obtained daily from either food or supplements.

 

So how do you get Vitamin B-6?

 

You can find it in natural food sources such as organic

potatoes,avocadoes, brewer's yeast, organic whole grains, blackstrap

molasses, brown rice, cold water fish, organic eggs, raw

unprocessed beans, bananas, (esp. alaskan salmon and herring) nuts,

wheat germ and seeds like sunflower seeds.

 

Vitamin B-6’s role as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of

carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is what makes it important for

dieters.

 

Vitamin B-6 is also responsible for the manufacture of hormones, red

blood cells, *neurotransmitters*, enzymes, and prostaglandins.

 

Vitamin B-6 is required for the production of *seratonin*, a brain

neurotransmitter that controls mood,

appetite, sleep patterns, and sensitivity to pain.

 

A vitamin B-6 deficiency can eventually lead to insomnia and

malfunctioning of the central nervous system.

 

Among its many benefits, vitamin B-6 is recognized for helping to

maintain healthy immune system functions, for protecting the heart from

cholesterol deposits, and for preventing kidney stone formation.

 

Vitamin B-6 is also effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel

syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, night leg cramps, allergies, asthma,

and arthritis.

 

Supplemental B-6 is a commonly used as a treatment for nausea, morning

sickness, and depression.

 

Persons on high protein diets require extra vitamin B-6,

as do those taking antidepressants,

amphetamines, oral contraceptives, and estrogen (HRT).

 

For weight loss, dieters should include vitamin B-6 to increase their

metabolism while rounding out a healthy diet.

 

Foods highest in vitamin B-6 include brewers yeast, carrots, free range

chicken, organic eggs, cold water fish, avocados, bananas, brown rice,

and organic whole grains.

 

The RDA for vitamin B-6 is 2 mg per day. Most B-complex formulas contain between

10 to 75 mg of vitamin B-6.

Doses up to 500 mg per day are uncommon but safe.

 

It is extremely important to note that Parkinson’s disease patients

being treated with L-dopa should not take vitamin B6 as it can diminish

the effects of L-dopa in the brain.

_________________

Taken from

" The REAL VITAMIN & MINERAL BOOK "

Shari Lieberman, PhD

and Nancy Bruning

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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