Vitamin B6 - The Essential Coenzyme

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an essential coenzyme in numerous biochemical reactions in the body. In this article, we will explore the forms, benefits, symptoms of deficiency, recommended doses, interesting facts, and the inclusion of this essential vitamin in myPEAK Wellness, An Award-Winning Vegan Multivitamin. 

Forms of Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is available in several forms, including pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal phosphate (the active form in the body), and pyridoxamine phosphate. These forms are interconvertible within the body. The active form has been shown to be the most beneficial and can have a calming effect on the nerves as well. 

Benefits of Vitamin B6:

• Coenzyme Function: Vitamin B6 serves as a coenzyme in over 100 enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation.
• Cognitive Function: B6 contributes to the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation and cognitive function.
• Immune System Support: B6 is involved in the production of immune cells and antibodies, supporting a healthy immune response.

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency: Vitamin B6 deficiency is relatively rare but can occur in individuals with poor dietary intake or conditions that impair absorption or utilization. Symptoms may include:

• Anemia
• Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
• Neurological abnormalities

Recommended Doses: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 varies depending on age, sex, and life stage. For adults, the RDA ranges from 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams (mg) per day. Higher doses may be recommended for specific health conditions or under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Interesting Facts about Vitamin B6:

• Vitamin B6 is involved in the metabolism of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.
• Dietary sources of vitamin B6 include fish, poultry, bananas, potatoes, and fortified cereals.

myPEAK Wellness, An Award-Winning Vegan Multivitamin includes vitamin B6 in its active form of (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) with 100% of the RDA along with over 25 other essential nutrients and 70+ fulvic trace minerals from ElevATP® Ancient Peat and Apple Polyphenol Extract, and more to create the most comprehensive multivitamin on the market. The formulation ensures adequate vitamin B6 supplementation for individuals following a vegan lifestyle or those seeking to support their coenzyme functions, cognitive function, and immune system.

References:

• National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
• Dakshinamurti, K., & Dakshinamurti, S. (2019). Vitamin B6. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.