B6 (Pyridoxine)
B6 is required for the proper absorption of B12 and the production of HCl. It plays an important role in fat metabolism. It plays a role as a coenzyme in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It must be present for the production of antibodies and red blood cells. The release of glycogen for energy from the liver and muscles is facilitated by B6. It also aids in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
Deficiency can lead to low blood sugar and poor glucose tolerance. It can also cause water retention during pregnancy, cracks around the mouth and eyes, numbness and cramps in the arms and legs, slow learning, visual disturbance, neuritis, arthritis, and an increase in urination.
J Invest Dermatol 7:150-51 1946 B6 and riboflavin has a slight benefit for acne roseacea. Lesions worsen after B6 is discontinued, but not riboflavin.
J Invest Dermato 5:143, 1942 72 patients, age 16-29 with acne received either 25mg pyridoxine 2x/day or placebo. No evidence of B deficiency were evident. 24.3% of the treated patients showed complete clearing of the lesions, compared to none of the control group. All of the treated patients reported a considerable decrease in skin oiliness.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 100:972-7, 1981 12/27 students who reacted to a challenge dose of MSG had symptoms. Of the 12 who reacted, 9 were given 50mg B6/day and others were given placebo, those given B6 showed no response to the MSG on a subsequent challenge. All of the students given placebo still had reactions.
