What kind of work does vitamin B6 do for the body? It’s involved in synthesis of proteins and the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin, production of antibodies of the immune system, as well as in the manufacture of oxygen-hungry muscle cells and oxygen-carrying red blood cells. It’s also required for proper fluid and electrolyte balance, controlling levels of potassium and sodium-based fluids while helping maintain proper intracellular levels of magnesium. It’s vital to methylation, a biochemical process that must occur in every cell of the body, 24/7 for health maintenance---and much more.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is not just associated with microcytic anemia and skin conditions like dermatitis and cheilosis, but also with reduced immune function. Low levels negatively affect the brain and nervous system, and are linked to reduced REM sleep, depression, and EEG abnormalities.
While it’s true a varied diet can contain a decent amount of vitamin B6, a significant amount of the vitamin B6 present in fruits, vegetables and grains are in a form that isn’t as bioavailable as those found in meats.
Supplementation can be used to reduce risk of vitamin B6 deficiency and help manage several different health conditions, but Vitamin B6 supplements that contain B6 in its inactivated form (pyridoxine hydrochloride) are rapidly excreted by the body within 60 to 90 minutes of absorption.
For this reason, Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive B-6 capsules are designed to release vitamin B6 gradually into the GI tract where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream, sustaining blood levels for up to 6 hours before replenishment is needed.
Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive B6 contains 50 milligrams of a biologically active form of B6: pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P). Unlike pyridoxine and pyridoxamine--which require further actions by the body in order to become fully useful-- P-5-P is ready to perform metabolic work, like a fully charged battery.
Aybak M, Sermet A, Ayyildiz MO, Karakilçik AZ. Effect of oral pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on arterial blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45(12):1271-1273.
Baltrusch S. The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:9968228. Published 2021 Jul 13.
Dror DK, Allen LH. Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012;26 Suppl 1:55-74.
Ellis JM, Kishi T, Azuma J, Folkers K. Vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with a clinical syndrome including the carpal tunnel defect. Biochemical and clinical response to therapy with pyridoxine. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1976;13(4):743-757.
Hvas AM, Juul S, Bech P, Nexø E. Vitamin B6 level is associated with symptoms of depression. Psychother Psychosom. 2004;73(6):340-343.
Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Research Center, Oregon State University. Vitamin B6. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B6#drug-interactions
Lin, Ping-Ting et al. Low Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate Is Associated With Increased Risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Nutrition Nov-Dec 2006:22 (11-12), 1146-51.
Mackey A, Davis S, Gregory J. “Vitamin B6”. In: Shils M, Shike M, Ross A, Caballero B, Cousins R, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
Miller LT, Leklem JE, Shultz TD. The effect of dietary protein on the metabolism of vitamin B-6 in humans. J Nutr. 1985;115(12):1663-1672.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed May 15, 2023.
Rall LC, Meydani SN. Vitamin B6 and immune competence. Nutr Rev. 1993;51(8):217-225.
Sadeghi O, Nasiri M, Maghsoudi Z, Pahlavani N, Rezaie M, Askari G. Effects of pyridoxine supplementation on severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks in migraine patients with aura: A double-blind randomized clinical trial study in Iran. Iran J Neurol. 2015;14(2):74-80.
Saposnik G, Ray JG, Sheridan P, McQueen M, Lonn E; Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation 2 Investigators. Homocysteine-lowering therapy and stroke risk, severity, and disability: additional findings from the HOPE 2 trial. Stroke. 2009;40(4):1365-1372.
Shaik MM, Gan SH. Vitamin supplementation as possible prophylactic treatment against migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:469529.
Wilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB. Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ status. Nutr Rev. 2011;69(10):572-583.
Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PW, Shaughn O'Brien PM. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. 1999;318(7195):1375-1381.
Xiong Y, Huang J, Amoah AN, Liu B, Bo Y, Lyu Q. Folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intakes are negatively associated with the prevalence of hypertension: A national population-based study.Nutr Res. 2023;112:46-54.
We Want to Hear From You!
Please leave us feedback on your experience with our products. We make them for you.