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Ryan Kirdahy

Biochemical Principles

Health and Nutrition ProjectVitamin B6

November 28th, 2016

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a fundamental vitamin in our bodies. Vitamin B6 actually exists in several

forms: pyridoxine (an alcohol), pyridoxamine (contains an amino group), and pyridoxal (an

aldehyde) as well as their phosphorylated forms [1]. All of the forms of vitamin B6 are

commonly referred to as pyridoxine even though this can be slightly inaccurate [2]. All three

forms of vitamin B6 have similar structures as seen in Figure 1. The molecular weight of the

three forms vary slightly. Pyridoxine is 169.18 g/mol, pyridoxal is 167.164 g/mol, and

pyridoxamine is the largest at 241.112 g/mol. The phosphorylated forms are different molecular

weights as well. Pyridoxine-5-phosphate is 249.159 g/mol, pyridoxal-5-phophate is 247.143

g/mol, and pyridoxamine-5-phosphate is 248.175 g/mol [2].

Figure 1: Structures of Vitamin B6

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Due to the fact that vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and it cannot be stored, it is

extremely important to obtain the dietary allowance of Vitamin B6 each day. Any excess will be

excreted through the urine [3,4]. Vitamin B6 must be consumed because humans cannot

synthesize vitamin B6. Instead, the phosphorylated forms of vitamin B6 that are consumed are

dephosphorylated and absorbed through passive diffusion in the jejunum [1]. Eating a balanced

diet with foods that contain vitamin B6 is the best way to receive the daily value of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 can be found in many different foods, but are the most abundant in meats and organs

like liver, nuts and beans, starchy vegetables like potatoes, and non-citrus fruits [1,3]. It is

common in the United States for people to receive most of their vitamin B6 through meats like

beef or chicken, starchy vegetables and non-citrus fruits, as well as fortified cereals which are

cereals that have extra vitamins and minerals added to help protect against deficiencies [1].

Another option would be to take a multivitamin [1,5]. Multivitamins are consumed by

about 28%-36% of the population, but most commonly used by the population of 51+ years old

and below nine years old [1]. Depending on age and gender, the recommended dietary

allowances will vary. The recommended dietary allowance increases with age, and males require

slightly more through the age groups of 14-18 and 51+ than women do. However, during

pregnancy and lactation, women require significantly more vitamin B6 than any other group [1].

Table 1: Recommended Dietary Allowances for Vitamin B6 [1]

Age Male Female Pregnancy Lactation
Birth-6 months 0.1 mg 0.1 mg - -
7-12 months 0.3 mg 0.3 mg - -
1-3 years 0.5 mg 0.5 mg - -
4-8 years 0.6 mg 0.6 mg - -
9-13 years 1.0 mg 1.0 mg - -
14-18 years 1.3 mg 1.2 mg 1.9 mg 2.0 mg
19-50 years 1.3 mg 1.3 mg 1.9 mg 2.0 mg
51+ years 1.7 mg 1.5 mg - -
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If the recommended daily value is not reached it is possible to develop a deficiency even

though it is not usually severe [5]. The groups most at risk for a vitamin B6 deficiency are those

with an alcohol dependence, individuals with autoimmune disorders, and those with impaired

renal functions [1]. Those with an alcohol dependence are susceptible to a vitamin B6 deficiency

because they tend to have a lower intake of the vitamin. Also, alcohol diminishes the bodys

ability to metabolize the vitamin [3]. As the deficiency get worse, symptoms become more

pronounced. These symptoms could include: muscle weakness, depression, nervousness, short-

term memory loss, irritability, and difficulty concentrating [5].

During the synthesis of heme, an iron-containing part of hemoglobin, pyridoxal-5-

phosphate acts as a coenzyme of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase. Pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5-

phosphate contribute to the binding of hemoglobin molecules and hemoglobin is essential when

it comes to transporting oxygen. Pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5-phosphate also influence the release

and pick up of oxygen and because of this it is imperative that there a sufficient amount of the

vitamin to carry out these processes. If the deficiency is substantial enough, then the synthesis of

hemoglobin may not occur which causes microcytic anemia. This can be corrected by adjusting a

persons diet or adding a supplement to help reduce the deficiency [3].

A deficiency of vitamin B6 may not be from an unbalanced diet, but may be due to other

diseases such as end-stage renal disease, chronic renal insufficiency, and other kidney diseases.

Other possible causes for vitamin B6 deficiencies could be the result of conditions where the

vitamin is not absorbed properly. Examples include Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac

disease [3]. Certain medicines like anti-tuberculosis, anti-epileptic, or anti-parkinsonian drugs

could also play a role in vitamin B6 deficiencies by reducing the bioavailability of the vitamin.
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Vitamin B6 is usually about 75% bioavailable from a mixed diet, meaning about 75% of the

vitamin taken in can play a role in the bodys processes [1,3].

Vitamin B6 in excess can be detrimental if it is over a period of 12-40 months. The result

of the extended period of excess vitamin B6 could be severe and cause progressive ataxia which

is the loss of control of body movements. The symptoms could cease if the patient stops taking

the supplements when the symptoms appear. In addition, excess vitamin B6 could cause

photosensitivity, heart burn, or dermatological lesions [1].

Vitamin B6 is believed to help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as

irritability, bloating, anxiety, and more because it functions as a cofactor in neurotransmitter

biosynthesis [1]. In addition to possibly helping women with premenstrual syndrome, vitamin B6

may also play a role in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some studies have

shown as high as a 70% decrease in these symptoms if vitamin B6 is paired with an

antihistamine. Continued studies are needed for more accurate results and conclusions [1].

Over one hundred enzymes require pyridoxal-5-phosphate, and about four percent of

enzymatic reactions use pyridoxal-5-phosphate as the coenzyme [3]. Most of the enzymes that

require pyridoxal-5-phosphate are involved in protein metabolism. Many of the biochemical

reactions catalyzed by pyridoxal-5-phosphate-dependent enzymes have important functions in

processes involving fatty acid metabolism, hemoglobin, and amino acid biosynthesis. Pyridoxal-

5-phosphate is also a coenzyme in glycogen phosphorylase and gluconeogenesis [3].

Gluconeogenesis creates glucose with a non-carbohydrate source and there is no more glycogen

[6]. Amino acids substrates necessary for gluconeogenesis are created by transamination

reactions that are catalyzed by pyridoxal-5-phosphate [7].

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Increased risk for cardiovascular disease has been related to increased levels of

homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine can be found as an intermediate in the metabolism of

methionine. Two separate pathways can be used to produce methionine from homocysteine

during the methionine remethylation cycle as seen in Figure 2 [3]. The first pathway involves

vitamin B12-dependent synthase. The other pathway requires two pyridoxal-5-phosphate-

dependent enzymes for the conversion of homocysteine to the amino acid cysteine in

homocysteine transsulfuration pathway. If a deficiency of any of the B vitamins occurred, these

processes would not be able to be completed [3].

Figure 2: Homocysteine Metabolism [3]

In conclusion, pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin that must be consumed in ones diet

because humans cannot naturally synthesize it. It is one of eight B complex vitamins which are
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beneficial for skin, hair, liver, and eye health [5]. Humans have many sources of vitamin B6 in

their everyday diet as well as in multivitamins. Maintaining the recommended dietary allowance

of vitamin B6 helps the body perform various functions because it is used as a coenzyme in

many different reactions. Vitamin B6 is a very versatile, beneficial vitamin that is capable of

helping prevent against diseases as well as maintain common functions in a persons body [1].
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Works Cited

1.) National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-

HealthProfessional/ (accessed November 23rd).

2.) Pubchem | Open Chemistry Database.

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pyridoxine#section=Top (accessed

November 23rd)

3.) Oregon State University Micronutrient Information Center.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B6 (accessed November 23rd).

4.) U.S. National Library of medicine (Medline Plus).

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002402.htm (accessed November 23rd).

5.) University of Maryland Medical Center.

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b6-pyridoxine

(accessed November 23rd)

6.) McMurry, J.; Ballantine, D. S.; Hoeger, C. A.; Peterson, V. E. Fundamentals of General,

Organic, and Biological Chemistry, Eighth Edition, Pearson Education, Inc.: The

United States of America, 2017.

7.) New World Encyclopedia.

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Vitamin_B6#Gluconeogenesis

(accessed November 23rd)