Pyridoxin Or Vitamin B6 Is Critical For Red Blood Cells

Pyridoxin is better known as vitamin B6. In terms of chemical composition, it is a derivative of pyridine, a fundamentally important compound that is liquid in form and yellowish in color with an unpleasant fishy odor.

In its natural state, this nutrient is referred to as pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P). Most adults source adequate quantities of vitamin B6 through a balanced diet. It is found in many meats, liver, fish, dairy products, cereals, nuts, grains, and yeast. It is present in selected fruits (dragon fruit, mangoes, bananas, avocados) and vegetables (particularly potatoes).

Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and believed to be involved in more biochemical processes within the human body than almost any other nutrient. It provides several specific health benefits.

Most broadly, vitamin B6 helps the body convert food into energy; stimulates the proper functioning of enzymes; assists the body equilibrate its sodium and potassium balance; and is positive for the functioning of the immune and nervous system.

Vitamin B6 stimulates the formation of hemoglobin, the iron-rich red blood cells that are critical for the transportation of oxygen through the body. Accordingly, the vitamin is likely to be important for sports people and those leading highly active lifestyles. Vitamin B6 inadequacy can produce anemia.

Third, vitamin B6 assists the body to form red blood cells. More specifically, it helps the formation of hemoglobin, an important component of red blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B6 may lead to anemia.

Fourth, vitamin B6 has been found to lessen premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and associated bloating. This may be due to its positive role in prostaglandin production that relaxes the uterine muscles and acts as a mild diuretic.

Vitamin B6 alleviates carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This condition manifests itself as motor and sensory disturbances to wrist and hand movements caused by compression of the median nerve travelling through the carpal tunnel.

Vitamin B6 is also believed to be useful for patients suffering from epileptic seizures in those rare instances when this condition is the result of vitamin B6 deficiency.

When combined with magnesium supplements, controlled vitamin B6 doses of up to 50 milligrams per day are considered by some to be beneficial for the treatment of kidney stones by inhibiting oxalate stone formation

The human body needs only a small amount of vitamin B6, being about 2 milligrams per day. Any intake up to 200 milligrams per day is generally thought safe for adults.

Commercial suppliers compound vitamin B6 into a range of dosage forms including tablets, capsules, nasal sprays and solutions for intravenous injection.

High dosages of vitamin B6 taken for an extended period, can negatively affect sensory nerves and lead to the loss of sensations in feet, legs and hands. Overdose cases are rare; symptoms include lack of coordination; walking impairment; reduced sensation to temperature changes and touch; and ongoing tiredness.

People taking pyridoxin dietary supplements are advised to consult their health care providers particularly if they are epileptics, pregnant, allergy sufferers or have a coronary stent. Epilepsy patients should be aware that vitamin B6 decreases the efficacy of the prescription medicine Dilantin.

Want to find out more about vitamin b6, then visit Janet Roth’s website on how you can get enough of this vital antioxidant using natural sources and vitamin b6 supplements.