What Is The Benefit Of Vitamin B6?

Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is found in a variety of plant and vegetable products, including cereals, beans, potatoes, tuna, salmon and pork. Because of the abundance of the vitamin, a deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare; however, it may occur in certain populations such as alcoholics, older individuals and people taking medications such as isoniazid for tuberculosis. Pyridoxine confers a variety of known health benefits. In addition, it is postulated to be useful for a variety of other diseases.

Functions of Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine serves a variety of functions in the human body. In cells, it is activated to form pyridoxal phosphate, which assists enzymes in a variety of chemical reactions. Pyridoxine is needed to create and brown down a number of amino acids, the building blocks that form proteins. It also is needed to form hemoglobin, an oxygen carrier found in all red blood cells. Pyridoxine plays a role in creating norepinephrine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters needed for nerve communication.

Nerve Function

Pyridoxine is needed for normal nerve function. A lack of pyridoxine is associated with a disease of nerves known as peripheral neuropathy. This can lead to a tingling sensation in the limbs or a loss of sensation. This can be treated with pyridoxine supplementation.

Anemia

A deficiency of pyridoxine can cause a type of anemia, known as sideroblastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, fatigue, headache and inability to concentrate; in severe causes, there may be breathlessness and a pounding heart. A pathologist can identify abnormalities in the red blood cells to diagnose this condition; again, pyridoxine can treat the disorder.

Pyridoxine-Dependent Seizures

Newborns may have severe seizures that can be cured with pyridoxine treatment. These seizures are intractable and cannot be treated with anticonvulsants; however, large doses of vitamin B-6 are highly effective. These seizures may occur as a result of a genetically inherited disorder. Once diagnosed, infants need to continue long-term pyridoxine supplementation.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a condition that can occur in women several days prior to menstruation. Symptoms include irritability, headache, breast tenderness and a bloating sensation. According to an article published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2000, trials of vitamin B6 supplementation for PMS "had conflicting results." More research is needed to establish the usefulness of pyridoxine for this syndrome.

Other Possible Benefits

According to MayoClinic.com, pyridoxine may be useful for a number of other conditions, but conclusive evidence of its usefulness is lacking. This includes its potential usefulness in movement disorders, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, painful menstruation, hypertension, kidney stones, osteoporosis, breast pain, febrile seizures and autism.