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B-6 and B-Complex Combination

Description

High dose vitamin B6 is combined with P-5-P, the activated form of B6, as well as the rest of the B vitamins to make this an excellent choice for female support or other concerns that require high dose Vitamin B6.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- PMS - Dysmennorhea - Carpal tunnel syndrome - High homocysteine levels - Kidney stone formers (in combination with magnesium) - Blood sugar control

Clinical Applications/Research

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is beneficial in fatigue, PMS, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, nausea, homocysteinuria, and proper amino acid metabolism. B-6 is essential in protein synthesis and breakdown. The requirement for B-6 increases as dietary protein increases.

PMS

B-6 is associated with preventing hormonal water-weight gain during PMS, and the birth-control pill seems to increase the need for B-6 (Wright, Jonathan V. M.D. Healing with Nutrition. 1990. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. p. 519). B-6 also seems to help with some of the other symptoms of PMS. For instance, one of the symptoms of PMS can be a low level of brain neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine. Dopamine suppresses fluid retention hormone production, and stimulates elimination of salt and water (Murray M. Enc Nat Med Prima Publ. Rocklin, Ca. 1991 p. 474). The enzyme that makes dopamine is dependent on B-6, “and high supplemental doses of vitamin B-6 result in increased hypothalamic dopaminergic activity ... in addition, pyridoxine (B6) normalizes low intracellular magnesium, lowers premenstrual estradiol levels, and increases progesterone” (Murray M. ibid p. 476).

Diabetes

In diabetes, the glucose level is elevated. It then becomes “glycosylated” (forms an adduct with a protein). Often the protein it joins with is hemoglobin (Hg), and glycosylated Hg is used as an indicator of glucose control (HgA 1c) in diabetics. Glycosylated proteins then undergo free radical attack, causing vascular damage, retinopathy and cataracts. B-6, by forming a Schiff’s base to generate P-5-P (a form of B6), interrupts the cycle at glycosylation, and prevents the formation of glycosylated proteins which are susceptible to free radical attack. “Solomon and coworkers have found that administration of high-dose B-6 for six weeks resulted in decreased levels of hemoglobin A 1c... these observations suggest B-6 supplementation has a beneficial role for persons with diabetes” (Annals NY Acad Sci., Beyond Deficiency, 1992, 669:39).

Homocysteine Levels

In the last decade, research has shown that elevated levels of homocysteine (indicating faulty methionine metabolism) may be a major risk factor in the development of vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease. Increased B-12 levels are also related to lower homocysteine values (Rosenberg IH. Colloquium on Homocysteine, Vitamins, and Arterial Occlusive Diseases. Experimental Biology Conference, Atlanta, Ga. 1995). Folic acid has also been shown to play a role in lowering homocysteine levels.

Kidney Stone Formers

Kidney stone formers have been shown to benefit from supplementing with vitamin B-6, as well as magnesium. Treatment of patients with primary hyperoxaluria (kidney stone formers) with orthophosphate and pyridoxine (B6) decreases urinary calcium oxalate crystallization and appears to preserve renal function” (Milliner DS et al. New England J Med. 1994; 331(23):1553-58).

B-Complex

High dose Vitamin B-6 should be combined with synergistic B vitamins, to ensure adequate levels of all the B vitamins, preventing imbalances or deficiencies in any one of the B vitamins.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Vitamin B-6 intereactions are rare, but can occur with high dose supplementation for long periods of time. Greater than 250-300 mg per day of Vitamin B-6 may eventually cause sensory nerve damage, leading to numbness in the hands and feet, as well as walking difficulties. Vitamin B6 supplementation should be stopped if any of these symptoms appear.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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