Low intake of vitamin B-6 in the diet increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to information from University of Maryland Medical Center. B-6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it is not stored in the body and is excreted in urine. Low levels are linked to inflammation, cell damage and metabolic disorders, which are known risk factors for heart disease. Vitamin B-6 can be found in beans, meat, poultry, fish and fruits and vegetables. Supplementation with extra pyridoxine should be physician-guided.
Homocysteine and Vitamin B-6
High level of the amino acid homocysteine in the body is linked to cardiovascular disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals deficient in vitamin B-6 have a higher homocysteine level that promotes blood clots and blockage in the coronary arteries. Boosting vitamin B-6 levels with supplements is not shown to lower heart disease risks, but maintaining normal levels with proper nutrition could help prevent heart disease by keeping homocysteine levels normal.
Low Vitamin B-6 and Inflammation
C-reactive protein is a biomarker that can be measured in the bloodstream. CRP is an indicator of inflammation associated with a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The Mayo Clinic explains that vitamin B-6 deficiency causes higher levels of the protein in the bloodstream. They also note that taking extra B-6 is not associated with reducing cardiovascular disease risk. According to Tufts University research, higher intake of vitamin B-6 is associated with lower inflammation. Conversely, when inflammation is present, the body needs more vitamin B-6, suggesting implications for those with existing heart disease.
Oxidative Stress
Vitamin B-6 may also play a role in lowering oxidative stress inside the artery walls that lead to heart disease. Low levels of the vitamin can lead to damage to the tissues and inflammation that can lead to coronary artery disease. In a study, conducted by researchers at the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, researchers found higher levels of oxidative stress in study participants with low intake of vitamin B-6.
Warning and Precaution
Vitamin B-6 is important for many bodily functions including energy, metabolism and nerve function, but it should be obtained from food. Supplementing with extra doses when levels are normal in the body could lead to health problems. According to the "Merck Manual," taking vitamin B-6 supplements in excess of 500 mg per day for unproven treatment could cause gait disturbance and impaired sense of vibration and position that may cause permanent symptoms. Speak with your physician if you feel you are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease from low levels of vitamin B-6.
References
- PubMed.gov: Homocysteine Metabolism
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin B-6 Evidence
- Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health: Vitamin B-6: What is it?
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Vitamin B-6 Intake is Inversely Related to, and the Requirement is Affected by, Inflammation Status; M.S. Morris, et al.; January 2010
- "The American Journal of Nutrition"; Association of Vitamin B-6 Status with Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study; Jian Shen, et al.; February 2010
- "The Merck Manual": Vitamin B-6
