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Vitamin B6

 Vitamin B6 is also called as Pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 comprises of a triad of closely related compounds Free form are called pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine.

Functions
The three different forms of pyridoxine serve as coenzymes to a number of enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids and various other metabolisms.

Formation of Amines
Vitamin B6 is vital for the formation of several amines that are functional in -nervous tissue, -for the biosynthesis of haem -phosphorylation (addition of phosphate) of glycogen.

 Growth purposes: Essential for the growth of infants and prevents degeneration of the nerves. Coenzyme activity in various reactions - like decarboxylation (removal of carbon dioxide) - conversion of tryptophan to niacin etc. Niacin is not formed in pyridoxine deficiency.

 Required for the synthesis of certain intermediate compounds which are further involved in the synthesis of porphyrin and haem nuclei. Essential for the formation of several neurohormones such as serotonin etc

 Anti-atherosclerotic effect: Its deficiency precipitates hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Immune Bodies: Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with impairment in immunity.

Sources
Raw foods contain more of this vitamin than cooked foods

Rich Sources
Rice polishing Wheat bran Wheat germ Dried yeast Liver

Good Sources
Whole cereals Legumes Nuts and seeds Milk powder Meat Egg Leafy vegetables

Fair Sources
Milled cereals Vegetables Fruits

Destruction of Vitamin B6
Long storage Canning Roasting or stewing of meat Food processing techniques Use of alcohol

Deficiency of Vitamin B6
Usually occurs in association with a deficit in other B complex vitamins. Decreased levels of plasma and urinary Vitamin B6 compounds Decrease in synthesis of some enzymes required in amino acid metabolism. Hypovitaminosis B6 may often occur with riboflavin deficiency as riboflavin is needed for the formation of Vitamin B6 compounds.

In Infants
Can lead to epileptic form convulsions Skin changes include dermatitis with cheilosis and glossitis.

Decrease in circulating lymphocytes and sometimes a presence of microcytic anaemia.

Causes
Nervous system dysfunction Impairment of the immune system
It can be a consequence of several medical conditions.

Toxicity
Usually rare
But high doses used for the treatment of -Pre-Menstrual Syndrome -Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (compression of a nerve of the wrist resulting in numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand and fingers) -some Neurologic diseases

Has resulted in Neurotoxicity.

RDA
The ICMR recommendations for both adult males and females are the same 2.0mg/day
During increased demands of the body ie pregnancy and lactation, the recommended level of intake is 2.5 mg/day.

Recap
Which are the 3 forms of Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6 is vital for the formation of several amines which are functional in -----? List factors which can destroy Vitamin B6. Pyridoxine toxicity is common. True or False. Deficiency Vitamin B6 occurs commonly with which other vitamin deficiency?

Homework
Give functions of Vitamin B6 in detail. Recall your previous days diet & list the food sources of Vitamin B6 in it. What does the toxicity of B6 leads to? What is RDA of B6 for adult male/female? What are the symptoms of B6 deficiency?