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VITAMIN B-6 (P5P)
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
The Active form of vitamin B6 … |
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VITAMIN B-6
(P5P) |
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| P5P is the superior active form of vitamin B6, recommended by Naturopathic doctors. |
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What is it?
The vitamin pyridoxine is commonly known as vitamin B6, and is involved as a cofactor in a number of different enzymatic processes in the body. Active B6 in its coenzyme form serves in more functions in the body than any other single nutrient. It is particularly important for protein metabolism, and it also plays a role in blood sugar regulation. B6 can be used to treat anemia, allergies, arthritis, asthma, cancer, kidney stones, pregnancy-related nausea and multiple sclerosis (MS). For more information on the many benefits of vitamin B6 supplementation, please click here. |
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Deficiency
A lack of sufficient B6 can appear as confusion, depression, irritability and mouth and tongue sores. It can also present as anemia, headaches, flakey skin, and even as carpal tunnel syndrome. Because of the fortification of processed foods, vitamin B6 deficiency is rare in North America.
Absorption
Vitamin B6 is absorbed in the small intestine and is dephosphorylated prior to absorption. This means that most B6 taken in its active form (P5P / PLP) will be converted back to its pyridoxal form prior to active absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, it is converted back to P5P, its active form. Some people may lack this conversion enzyme and may benefit from higher doses of directly supplemented P5P that will bypass the transporter molecule and be absorbed through diffusion. Most people can benefit from supplementation of either form of vitamin B6.
Supplementation
P5P can be found in a number of different supplements including some B complexes, as well as PMS, cardiovascular, brain health, and mood balancing formulas. In general, it can be dosed at the same levels as pyridoxine. Thus, between 50 and 100mg per day is generally sufficient. For more information on dosing, please see the vitamin B6 article here.
Important Information
B6 is depleted by antidepressants, estrogen, oral contraceptives, some antibiotics, and alcohol. Cortisone and diuretics block the absorption of B6. Diets high in protein require a larger B6 intake to allow for proper digestion and utilization. Prolonged excessive intake of B6 (1-6g per day for more than a year), can result in sensory neuropathy and loss of control of bodily movements. Doses exceeding 400mg per day are not recommended. Parkinson's patients on dopamine therapy should not supplement with B6, and diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels during supplementation as their insulin dosage may need to be lowered.
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VITAMIN B6 –
QUICK FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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Carrots,
chicken,
eggs, fish,
meat, peas,
spinach,
sunflower
seeds,
walnuts,
wheat germ,
nutritional
yeast.
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DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
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Anemia,
convulsions,
headaches,
nausea,
flaky skin,
sore tongue,
acne,
arthritis,
depression,
dizziness,
fatigue,
impaired
memory,
carpal
tunnel
syndrome.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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50 - 100 mg daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Vitamin B complex, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, folate.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
click for products |
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The elderly
and anyone
with
impaired
digestion
are prone to
a deficiency
of B
vitamins.
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Long-term
use of more
than 1000mg
daily can
cause nerve
damage and
loss of
coordination.
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Should not
be used by
Parkinson’s
patients on
dopamine
therapy.
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Diabetics
may have to
decrease
their
insulin
intake while
taking B6.
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Doses exceeding 400mg per day are not recommended. Prolonged excessive supplementation (1-6g per day for at least a year) can result in sensory neuropathy. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2012. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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