Essential Vitamins – Pyridoxine B6

Vitamin B6 is an extremely important B vitamin involved in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds, chemical transmitters in the nervous system, red blood cells and prostaglandins. It is also pivotal in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function

Deficiency Signs and Symptoms:
Depression, convulsions (especially in children), glucose intolerance, anemia, impaired nerve function, cracked lips and tongue and eczema

Conditions which respond to B6 supplementation are:
Asthma, premenstrual syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, morning sickness and kidney stones.

Antagonists to B6 are:
Hydrazine dyes (especially FD&C yellow#5), certain drugs such as isoniazid, hydralazine, dopamine and penicillamine, oral contraceptives, alcohol and excessive protein intake

Vitamin B6 is one of the most utilized and valued nutritional supplements. It is also one of the intensely studied and evaluated in over 100 different health conditions.

These are just some of them: Asthma, autism, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, Chinese restaurant syndrome, diabetes complication prevention, depression, epilepsy, immune enhancement, kidney stones, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, osteoporosis, PMS

Pyridoxine is found in reducing amounts in these foods:
Torula yeast, brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, walnuts, lentils, lima beans, buckwheat, blackeye peas, navy beans, brown rice, hazelnuts, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, bananas, avocados, fresh chestnuts, kale, rye flour, spinach, turnip greens, peppers, potatoes, prunes, raisons, Brussels sprouts, barley, sweet potatoes, cauliflower.

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Salmon Oil or Flax Oil?

There is a difference in the way the body can use fish oils, compared to flax seed oil. The body converts the original type of omega-3 fat, known as (alpha) linolenic acid, which is the principle fat in flax seeds, into EPA and DHA which are both found in fish oils, but not in flax. So by eating fish or taking fish oils, you are saving your body from having to do the conversion.

What’s more, the efficacy of the conversion is dubious in many people. The enzymes that convert linolenic acid into EPA and DHA are very underdeveloped in babies, which is why breast feeding is so important and why supplying children with a direct source of EPA and DHA is essential.

Another problem with relying on taking flax seed oil is that, for an unknown reason, the linolenic acid appears to convert more readily to EPA than DHA. On average 15% of linolenic acid converts to EPA, while only 5% converts to DHA, thus causing an imbalance. Indeed, vegetarians have been shown to have lower levels of DHA, even if their EPA levels are adequate. Since DHA is literally a building component of the brain it is most vital in pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.

It is also important to ensure a good supply of the nutrients on which the conversion enzymes depend, i.e. Vitamins B3, B6 and C, biotin, zinc and magnesium, which is easily achieved by giving your child a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

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