Vitamin B6 is also known as ‘Pyriodoxine’. It is a part of the Vitamin B complex group and is a water soluble vitamin. It is one of the active forms of the vitamin, pridoxal phosphate, a co-factor in many of the reactions of the amino acid metabolism like decarboxylation, deamination and transamination. This Vitamin B6 takes part in the reaction during the glucose release from the compound glycogen.
Vitamin B6 is rich in animal sources such as milk, meat, fish, egg yolk etc. It is also rich in cabbage, corn, wheat, banana, tubers etc. Cooking and processing of raw vegetables results in the loss of vitamins present in the food. Vitamin B6 is mainly absorbed in the jejunum and ileum through passive diffusion process and the rate of absorption is very much higher when compared to physiological need.
This Vitamin B6 is necessary for the gluconeogenesis where glucose is released from the glycogen, neurotransmitter, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, formation of myelin, hemoglobin synthesis and its function, histamine synthesis and gene expression etc. It is also involved in the proper immune functioning and the also helps to prevent formation of the kidney stones.
Lack of Vitamin B6 causes atrophic glossitis with ulceration, seborrhoeic dermatitits, neurological symptoms such as irritability, depression, mental confusion, nervousness, angular cheilitis and conjunctivitis etc. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 causes decreased level of hemoglobin; it is common in women who take oral contraceptives, birth control pills, and those who consume alcohol.
Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of healthy red blood cells and also prevents osteoporosis. It may alleviate the symptoms of PMS by reducing stress and other mental problems. It is essential for the proper multiplication and cell division, required for the normal nervous system functioning. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the manufacturing of over 60 enzymes that are required for the normal functioning of the body. It is very much critical for a healthy immune system.
