Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine or Vitamin B is an important nutrient that the body itself can not produce. It affects affects our skin, the mucous membranes, the peripheral nervous system and the circulatory system. It has a vital impact on the central nervous system in children and in the processing of proteins in general.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a health condition that is intrinsically related to insufficiency of B6 in our body and may manifest itself in many forms.
Deficiency of B6 is not merely the cause for inflammation of the skin including rashes and seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, conclusive evidence now clearly links it as a result of inflammatory conditions such as arthiritis.
Clinical indicators such as morning stiffness, C reactive protein levels in the circulation and therythrocyte sedimentation is inversely linked to vitaminB-6 status. It is now being elucidated in greater details by medical research that pyridoxine or B6 is not a cause but an effcet of inflammations in the body, that reduces its metabolism and storage.
The criticality of B6 in the body can be understood from the mere fact that most of the proteins and carbohydrates need to be broken down before absorption. B6 aids the breaking down of amino acids like tryptophan into serotonin and niacin before it can be abrorbed by our intestines. Chemicals such as prostaglandins , enzymes, neuro transmitters , hemoglobin, histamine, adrenaline and dopamine can be produced only by the catalyst called pyridoxine.
It also inhibits cholesterol deposits and better cardio health.
Clinical Indicators of Pyrodoxine Deficiency:
- *Inflammation of the skin-cheilosis which occurs at the corners of the mouth
- *Sore tongue or glossitis
- *Depression , mood swings and cognitive problems
- *Anemia
- * Insomnia, seizures and lack of muscle coordinationI
- *Seborrheic dermatitis, itchy and flaky skin
The clear link between inflammation being the cause of B6 deficiency is now emerging through numerous studies. In cases of inflammation like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis which causes acute pain, the pain itself cannot be treated by supplementation of B6. The inflammation process uses up B6 and thus its supplementation will not address it at all .
What is however proven beyond contention is that though ineffective in containing inflammation, it does reduce the pain .
B6 which is an essential water soluble vitamin is necessary for almost 100 enzymatic processes in the body and can be sourced naturally from food such as nuts, poultry, fish , eggs, grains and multitudes of vegetables. What needs however to be reconsidered is its cause-effect link with inflammation.
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