Overview
Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for numerous physiological processes, including neurotransmitter synthesis, energy metabolism, and immune support. It plays a critical role in brain function, mood regulation, and cardiovascular health by influencing homocysteine levels and promoting efficient enzyme activity.
Other Common Names
Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), Pyridoxamine
Top Benefits
- Supports neurotransmitter production for mood regulation
- Promotes cardiovascular health by regulating homocysteine levels
- Enhances energy metabolism and enzyme function
- Boosts immune system performance
- Supports cognitive function and mental clarity
What Is Vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is a vital nutrient that the body relies on for over 100 enzymatic reactions. Its active form, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), acts as a coenzyme in numerous metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
By supporting the production of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, Vitamin B6 is essential for mood balance, focus, and stress resilience. Additionally, it plays a role in converting food into energy, forming hemoglobin, and maintaining cardiovascular health through homocysteine regulation.
Despite being widely available in foods such as poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas, deficiencies can occur due to poor diet, certain medications, or health conditions, making supplementation beneficial for many individuals.
Marco’s Grounds™ Vitamin B6 Sourcing
At Marco’s Grounds™, we source our Vitamin B6 from poultry products raised on family-owned farms in the fertile region of Waikato, New Zealand. The Vitamin B6 is naturally produced in the poultry’s body as it absorbs nutrients from its diet.
Once the poultry has synthesized the vitamin, it's carefully harvested and processed to preserve its quality. This natural method ensures that the Vitamin B6 retains its effectiveness and is easily absorbed by the body, providing maximum health benefits with minimal dosing.
Dosing Principles and Rationale
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B6 varies between 1.3 to 2 mg for most adults, though higher doses are often used for therapeutic purposes, typically between 10 and 50 mg per day. Marco’s Grounds™ incorporates optimal doses of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, aligning with hormetic dosing principles to maximize benefits while avoiding excess intake.
For best results, Vitamin B6 is often paired with complementary B-complex vitamins to support comprehensive health.
Vitamin B6 Key Mechanisms
Neurotransmitter Production and Mood Regulation
- Supports serotonin synthesis for emotional balance and melatonin production for sleep [1].
- Promotes dopamine and GABA production, aiding focus and relaxation [2].
Cardiovascular Health
- Regulates homocysteine levels, reducing cardiovascular risk factors [3].
- Synergizes with folate and B12 for vascular health.
Energy Metabolism and Hemoglobin Formation
- Acts as a coenzyme in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, enhancing energy production [4].
- Aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin, supporting oxygen transport in the blood [5].
Immune System Support
- Enhances lymphocyte production and immune cell activity, strengthening the body’s defenses [6].
Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Enhances homocysteine regulation for cardiovascular health.
- Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12): Works together to support cognitive and cardiovascular functions.
- Magnesium Glycinate: Complements B6 in neurotransmitter production and muscle relaxation.
References
- Dakshinamurti, K., & Sharma, S. K. (1998). Neurochemical and behavioural aspects of pyridoxine deficiency. Nutrition Research Reviews, 11(1), 117-136.
- Zempleni, J., et al. (2003). Biotin and B vitamins in health and disease. Annual Review of Nutrition, 23(1), 317-341.
- Selhub, J. (1999). Homocysteine metabolism. Annual Review of Nutrition, 19(1), 217-246.
- Merrill, A. H., & Henderson, J. M. (1987). Vitamin B6 metabolism by human liver. Annual Review of Nutrition, 7(1), 137-156.
- Driskell, J. A. (1999). Vitamin B6 requirements for humans. Nutrition Research Reviews, 12(1), 65-86.
- Rall, L. C., & Meydani, S. N. (1993). Vitamin B6 and immune competence. Nutrition Reviews, 51(7), 217-225.
