Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Functions:

Vitamin B6 assists many functions in the body namely:

• Assists in the formation of several neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another.
• Assisting normal brain development and function.
• Assisting the production of the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which influences mood and melatonin which helps to regulate the body clock.
• Helping to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) which is used to produce energy.
• Helping to metabolise fats and protein.
• To help product great, skin, hair, eyes and liver.
• To break down protein
• To keep blood sugar with in recommended ranges
• To help make harmoglobin.

Although vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods, deficiency may arise as a result of high dietary protein intake (80 - 160 g / d). Signs of clinical deficiency may include the following;

• Water retention
• Tingling Hands 
• Depression or nervousness
• Irritability
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of energy
• Flaky skin

Whilst vitamin B6 toxicity is rare, studies in which subjects injested high-dose (50 - 500 mg / d, and 2 - 7 g / d) pyridoxdine reported development of peripheral sensory neuropathy (damage to nerves leading to reduced sensitivity to touch, temperature, pain and impaired balance and co-ordination). In all cases, symptoms resolved after withdrawal of supplementation.