Pyridoxine, otherwise known as vitamin B6, is important in maintaining the health of our nerves, skin, and red blood cells. 

Uses : Mood ( mood regulation) Endocrine ( hormone regulation ) Neurotransmitter ( increases serotonin, dopamine and gaba )  Energy/Metabolism (  weight loss, lipid metabolism  ) Immune 

Recommended for the following client complaints:Patients  who suffer from seizures, Peripheral neuropathy, Depression, Weak immune system, Autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis/IBS), Malabsorption / digestive disorders, High alcohol intake, Prolonged oral contraceptive use.

Basic Information: B6 is an essential fat soluble vitamin that humans lack the enzyme to make, meaning consistent intake is required. Many get enough b6 in their diet to maintain the correct levels, but those that struggle with impaired renal function, genetic or autoimmune disorders, high alcohol intake or prolonged use of oral contraceptives. 

Benefits:

Mood Health: Adequate levels of vitamin B6 are necessary to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and GABA, meaning it plays an important role in regulating our mood. Supplementing with B6 has been studied as a potential treatment for mood disorders.

Endocrine Health: Involved in regulating steroid hormone receptors responsible for endocrine/adrenal- stress support. May help improve symptoms of PMS.

Neurotransmitter Health:Pyridoxine, otherwise known as vitamin B6, is important in maintaining the health of our nerves, skin and  has a very influential role in synthesis of neurotransmitters 

Energy/Metabolism Support:Pyridoxine is also used in the production of hemoglobin and can be helpful in the treatment of anemias.It plays a role in metabolism of amino acids and is a necessary co-factor in the folate cycle, lack of which can lead to anemia.Inside the body, pyridoxine is converted into its active form, the coenzyme pyridoxal 5’-phosphate. Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate is a versatile coenzyme participating in over 100 biochemical reactions mediating protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.

Pregnancy and nausea:Appropriate maternal pyridoxine intake is encouraged during pregnancy (FDA pregnancy risk category A), and the requirement for pyridoxine appears to be increased during pregnancy. Pyridoxine (up to 40 mg/day) in combination with doxylamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. No increased risk for malformations from first trimester exposures to doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride with or without dicyclomine hydrochloride was noted in a meta-analysis. Further, no statistically significant relationships between fetal abnormalities and the first trimester use of the combination doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride with or without dicyclomine hydrochloride were noted in a separate meta-analysis. The use of vitamin B6 supplementation to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women has been shown to significantly reduce nausea.

Chronic Illnesses/ Medications/Demographics of people who would benefit most:

Deficiency of vitamin B6 may occur in individuals with impaired renal function, genetic or autoimmune disorders, high alcohol intake, and with prolonged use of drugs including isoniazid, cycloserine, anti-epileptics, and oral contraceptives.In individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory cytokines cause low vitamin B6 levels, with greater deficiency associated with higher disease severity. People with celiac disease and other malabsorptive autoimmune disorders have vitamin B6 deficiency due to consuming a gluten-free diet low in essential vitamins.In people with alcohol dependence, the acetaldehyde produced from alcohol competes with the active form of pyridoxine for protein binding. Unbound pyridoxal 5’-phosphate – the active coenzyme form of pyridoxine – is rapidly hydrolyzed, resulting in vitamin B6 deficiency with high alcohol intake.Drugs like isoniazid and cycloserine interfere with enzymes that convert pyridoxine into pyridoxal-5-phosphate or enhance the catabolism and excretion of pyridoxine, resulting in vitamin B6 deficiency with prolonged use. Vitamin B6 deficiency may produce symptoms such as electroencephalogram abnormalities, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, depression, confusion, dermatitis with scaling lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth, glossitis, microcytic anemia, and a weakened immune system.Low levels of vitamin B6 are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, cognitive impairment, and certain types of cancer.