vitamin: Vitamin B6 Group

Pyridoxine,Pyridoxine, pyridoxal,pyridoxal, and pyridoxaminepyridoxamine make up the vitamin B₆ group. They all combine with phosphorus in the body to form the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate, which is necessary in the metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids. The best sources of B₆ vitamins are liver and other organ meats, corn, whole-grain cereal, and seeds. Deficiency can result in central nervous system disturbances (e.g., convulsions in infants) due to the role of B₆ in serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis. More generally the effects of deficiency include inadequate growth or weight loss and anemia due to the role of B₆ in the manufacture of hemoglobin. The recommended dietary allowance for adults is 2.0 to 2.2 mg for men and 2 mg for women. Additional doses are required in pregnancy and by those taking oral contraceptives or the tuberculosis drug izoniazid. Severe nerve damage has been reported from megadoses.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Folic Acid
• Biotin
• Pantothenic Acid
• Vitamin B6 Group
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Thiamine
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin A
• Bibliography

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