VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXAL-5-PHOSPHATE)

The ingredient for this issue of Xtend-Your-Life is Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate or Vitamin B5. BUT...it is important whilst reading this that you do not confuse it to the 'normal' Vitamin B5 which is called Pyridoxine. This is the type that is generally used in supplements. The Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate form of B6 which we use is the active form, but uncommon because of the much greater cost.

For more info on the differences please refer to our February newsletter where there is an article about pharmaceutical firms trying to ban it. It is pronounced (pie-ree-doks-all-five-foss-fate). A good way to remember what role Vitamin B6 plays in the body is to think of it as the host of a big party. It introduces amino acids to aldehydes and enzymes and gets them mingling.

In the presence of Vitamin B6, instead of exchanging business cards (or phone numbers), they become involved in various metabolic reactions that are beneficial for the body. An example of this is the important conversion of homocysteine to methionine in a process called methylation. Homocysteine needs to be methylated to convert it back to methionine.

If this process does not happen your body is in for some serious trouble, as homocysteine is associated with a host of degenerative diseases and health conditions. Other examples of Vitamin B6's role include:

• Playing a key part in the conversion of dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanin) into dopamine...the 'feel-good' chemical in your brain.
• Ensuring that the conversion of the neurotransmitter glutamate to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA goes ahead...this is very important has it helps to regulate muscle tone and neuromuscular activity.
• Allowing SAMe to be converted to form propylamine...an important precursor for a group of amino acids called polyamines which are essential for cell growth and the healthy functioning of the cell membrane.

What Else Can We Say About Vitamin B6?

Well, Vitamin B6 supports glycogen and nitrogen metabolism, the production and transport of amino acids, production and maintenance of red blood cells and hemoglobin, nerve tissues and antibodies.

Vitamin B6 may be beneficial in acne, autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), arthritis, allergies, depression, high homocysteine, heart disease, elevated lipid levels, immune depression, morning sickness, depression associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptive use, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, age-related cognitive decline, muscle cramps, conjunctivitis, bladder infection, hypertension, water retention, asthma, canker sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, schizophrenia, vertigo and obesity.

Wow, that's pretty cool! But what happens if I have a Vitamin B6 deficiency?

Firstly, you're not alone. As rare as it is in Western countries, many people still are deficient in Vitamin B6. In fact, women who take oral contraceptives tend to have lower levels of this B6 vitamin in their blood. Other people at risk are extreme dieters, alcoholics and the elderly.

Okay, so how can I get more B6 in my diet?

Great question! However, while found in meats, liver, whole grains, and vegetables, substantial amounts of B6 are lost in cooking and oxidation. It's because of this that we suggest you choose a supplement like Total Balance to get optimum amounts of B6 every day.

In addition to giving you B6 as well as all the nutrients and minerals you need daily, Total Balance is specially formulated to help you fight the 5 main causes of aging such as glycation, methylation, DNA damage, inflammation and free radicals.

There are many other ingredients in Total Balance, so be sure to visit the Total Balance Overview page on our website to find the version that best suits you and read about all the ingredients in the formula.