Get You Health

Take Vitamin B6 for your Heart

First isolated in the 1930s, vitamin B6 is a highly water soluble vitamin of vital importance to human health. An adequate dietary supply is essential because the vitamin cannot be manufactured by the body, and is required for the proper action of more than 100 enzymes involved in vital biochemical reactions.

Amongst its many functions, in its coenzyme form of pridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), vitamin B6 is critical for the release of energy within the body, for the proper formation and function of oxygen carrying red blood cells, and for the synthesis of neuro-transmitting hormones within the brain.

There is also some evidence that PLP may play a role in mitigating the potentially harmful effects of the steroid (sex) hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, within the body, so that levels of vitamin B6 may even be related to the incidence of the characteristic cancers eg of the breast and prostate, which are most strongly associated with the hormones.

Perhaps most important, however, is vitamin B6's role in the regulation of the protein, homocysteine, even sightly raised blood levels of which have been repeatedly identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Homocysteine is a perfectly normal by-product of the body's digestion of protein foods and should normally be removed harmlessly from the body. But the risk of excess build up is not negligible.

A large 1997 European study of young and middle aged adults showed a more than doubled risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke for individuals whose blood homocysteine levels were in the top fifth of the normal range. And some sources attribute as many as 10% of heart attack fatalities and an even higher proportion of stroke deaths directly to high homocysteine levels. Since these are still two of the biggest causes of premature death in the affluent Western world, such figures are particularly alarming.

The B vitamin complex is known to be vital for the prevention of excess homocysteine. Vitamins B12 and folic acid operate to convert homocysteine into the vital amino acid, methionine; whilst B6 in the form of PLP converts it into another amino acid, cysteine.

Not surprisingly then, research studies have demonstrated a clear link between low intakes of vitamin B6, higher levels of blood homocysteine and enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease. One such study, in particular, showed that the daily consumption of 4.6 mg of vitamin B6 reduced the incidence of heart disease by more than a third as compared with the consumption of 1.1 mg (slightly below the 1.3 mg Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults under 50).

In addiition to its important role in regulating blood homocysteine levels, there is also good evidence to associate vitamin B6 with the proper functioning of the Immune System and indivduals deficient in B6 have been shown also to have reduced numbers of vital immune system cells. It is notable, too, that the amounts of vitamin B6 required to restore optimum immune function, particularly in the elderly, have been shown to be well in excess of the RDA. Other benefits of vitamin B6 for which there is some research evidence include improved memory, reduced incidence of kidney stones, the alleviation of pre-menstrual syndrome, the side effects of the contraceptive pill and morning sickness in pregnancy.

Severe deficiencies of vitamin B6 are thought by most conventional medical sources to be highly unlikely in Western societies and indeed the following food values would suggest that the RDAs of 1.3 mg for adults and 1.7 mg for the over 50s should be easily achievable. A cup of fortified cereal will provide between 0.5 and 2.5 mg and even a single banana perhaps as much as 0.4 mg. Meat, particularly poultry such as chicken and turkey, will provide up to 0.5 mg per 3 oz serving, as will fish. Vegetables, especially potatoes, and nuts are also useful sources.

But despite this wide range of possible sources, surveys have shown that the typical adult's daily intake of B6 is only around 2 mg per day, and for older individuals this reduces to 1- 1.2 mg. Both figures are worrying, because they suggest not only that many older people are falling below the RDA, but that many younger adults are perilously close to doing so. It has to be remembered, too, that the RDAs are in any case at levels only sufficient to avoid outright deficiency, which is not at all the same thing as optimum health.

Being water soluble, vitamin B6 is easily excreted from the body and the consumption of alcohol and other diuretic drinks such as tea and coffee may dramatically increase the body's need for the vitamin. The requirement also increases in line with the amount of protein consumed in the diet.

For these reasons, even conventional medicine is inclined to recognise the value of supplementation with B6 up to a level of 2 mg per day. Some nutritional therapists, however, recommend doses of as much as 100 mg a day in view of B6's significant role in combatting the increased risk of heart disease and stroke attributable to elevated blood homocysteine levels.

And indeed there are no known toxic effects of vitamin B6 at this level of intake, which is in fact the upper safe limit recommended by the US Food and Nutrition Board. As always with the B complex vitamins, however, their close interdependence means that such doses should only be taken as part of a supplement containing the whole complex. And to enable the vitamins to do their work to maximum effect, a comprehensive multi-Mineral Supplement is also highly recommended.

About the Author

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

I'm Having a Vitamin B Complex!! 1 of 2

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Nature Made Super B Complex 360 Tablets w Vitamin C Folic Acid $14.99 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 32m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now

Isomers Matrixyl Wrinkle Defense Cream Potent Vitamin Peptide Complex 10 oz $24.99 Time Remaining: 1h 3m

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex New in box 9500 value $31.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 54m

Vitamin B Complex with B 12 USP SODIUM FREE A B B12 C D E FISH OIL Glucosamine $3.99 Time Remaining: 8d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now

GNC Big 100 Vitamin B complex 250 Tablets NEW exp 10 2012 $18.00 Time Remaining: 1h 44m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now

NIOXIN INTENSIVE THERAPY RECHARGING COMPLEX VITAMIN 90 TABLETS CHEAP $96.00 Time Remaining: 27d 18h 12m Buy It Now for only: $96.00 Buy It Now

Olay Total Effects 7X Anti Aging Vitamin Complex New $8.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 46m

NUTRITION NOW B Complex Adult Gummy Vitamin 70 CHEW $5.98 Time Remaining: 1h 29m

SCHICK QUATTRO FOR WOMEN ALOE DUO VITAMIN COMPLEX CARTRIDGES 8 CARTRIDGES $12.99 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now

SKIN MEDICA VITAMIN C + E COMPLEX AGE DEFENSE SERUM 1 OZ ALL SKIN TYPES MIB $29.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 1h 2m

Ole Henriksen TRUTH SERUM Vitamin C Complex Collagen Booster 1 OZ 30 ML FRESH $55.75 Time Remaining: 18d 6h 10m Buy It Now for only: $55.75 Buy It Now

Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin B 12 90 Tabs Free Shipping $2.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 40m

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex $39.99 Time Remaining: 19h 10m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 Buy It Now

Natures Bounty Vitamin B Complex with B12 Sublingual Liquid 2fl oz 59 doses $7.98 Time Remaining: 18d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $7.98 Buy It Now

NEW Hairfinity Healthy Hair Complex Vitamins 60 Capsules $35.00 (30 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 10m

Thyroid ComplexIodine B Vitamins L Tyrosine All Natural Herbs $9.50 Time Remaining: 24d 57m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 Buy It Now

Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex Supplements Vitamins 30 Tablets 1 13 $2.26 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 22h 38m

VITAMIN CODE RAW B COMPLEX GARDEN OF LIFE $13.99 Time Remaining: 9d 17h Buy It Now for only: $13.99 Buy It Now

NICOLE MILLER NIGHT FIRMING TREATMENTEXFOLIATING TREATMENTVITAMIN COMPLEX $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 13m

2 X Lancome sensation totale vitamin c serum complex 10ml 20ml total NEW $11.04 Time Remaining: 15h 29m

Sundown Naturals B Complex Vitamin for Energy Metabolism 100 Tablets $4.99 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 19m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now

Natures Bounty Super B Complex w Folic Acid + Vitamin C + Biotin 150 tablets $9.65 Time Remaining: 5h 55m Buy It Now for only: $10.65 Buy It Now

Vitamin B Complex Sublingual Liquid with Vitamin B 12 GREAT TASTING $8.79 Time Remaining: 5d 17m Buy It Now for only: $8.79 Buy It Now

3 x LANCOME Sensation Totale Vitamin C Continuous Perfecting Complex Cream 33oz $4.99 Time Remaining: 22h 15m

SkinMedica VITAMIN C+ E COMPLEX AGE DEFENSE 1 OZ FRESH NEW IN BOX $64.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 35m

10 x LANCOME Sensation Totale Vitamin C Continuous C Perfecting Complex Cream $21.50 Time Remaining: 17h 7m Buy It Now for only: $21.50 Buy It Now

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex $39.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 47m

Herbalife Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex Vitamin F2 Vitamins Select Year $7.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 15m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex Minis $12.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 38m

Avena Sativa Oat Complex 100 Womans Health Menopause VitaminsDong Quai $4.95 Time Remaining: 12h 55m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now

Herbalife Weightloss Item $10.99 Time Remaining: 24d 5h 50m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now

Two Pack Vitamin B 12 Complex in a SPRAY B12 Energy Reduce Stress Health $9.69 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 19m Buy It Now for only: $10.79 Buy It Now

Nioxin 90 COUNT INTENSIVE THERAPY COMPLEX Vitamin Exp 03 2013 $134.95 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 38m Buy It Now for only: $134.95 Buy It Now

SkinMedica VITAMIN C+ E COMPLEX AGE DEFENSE 1 OZ FRESH NEW IN BOX $64.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 58m

GENES Vitamin E Swiss Collagen Complex Cream 16oz $13.75 Time Remaining: 28d 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $13.75 Buy It Now

Balanced Vitamin B Complex High Quality Made in USA 60 tablets $4.45 Time Remaining: 21h 1m Buy It Now for only: $4.95 Buy It Now

SkinMedica VITAMIN C+ E COMPLEX AGE DEFENSE 1 OZ With Out Box $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 5m

NEW Ole Henriksen TRUTH SERUM COLLAGEN BOOSTER Vitamin C Complex 5 Oz Oz 15mL $19.95 Time Remaining: 23d 23h 42m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now

Swansons Super Stress B Complex with Vitamin C 240 capsules $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 3m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now

Vitamin B Complex 365 tablets Fantastic Buy $10.73 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $10.73 Buy It Now

Two Pack Vitamin B 12 Complex in a SPRAY B12 Energy Reduce Stress Health $9.69 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 17m Buy It Now for only: $10.79 Buy It Now

Balance B Complex includes Vitamin B 1 B 2 B 3 B 6 anxiety aid 30 tabs $1.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 10m

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex Serum Travel Sample 6 x 37g Total 078oz $24.96 Time Remaining: 22d 5h 6m Buy It Now for only: $24.96 Buy It Now

Vitamin B 12 Complex SPRAY NEW Energy Weight Loss Reduce Stress Health $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 11m Buy It Now for only: $5.69 Buy It Now

Schiff Super Vitamin B Complex Tablets 120 ea $12.99 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 16m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now

Vitamin B 12 Complex SPRAY NEW Energy Weight Loss Reduce Stress Health $4.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $5.69 Buy It Now

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex $40.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 33m

Nature Made Super B Complex 460 Tablets with Vitamin C Folic Acid $16.95 Time Remaining: 13d 15h 8m Buy It Now for only: $16.95 Buy It Now

AC Grace Unique E Optimum Natural Vitamin E Complex 120 Softgels $29.95 Time Remaining: 5d 15h 2m

Nu Antioxidants ComplexPycnogenolZincGrape Seed ExtractVitamins 100 Softgels $9.99 Time Remaining: 8d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

Schiff Mega D3 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 Resveratrol and Red Wine Complex $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 11m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now

Twinlab Stress B-Complex Caps with Vitamin C, 250 Capsules List Price: $41.95 Sale Price: $16.34 You save: $25.61 (61%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description This dietary supplement contains high potency B-Complex vitamins. It is yeast-free and well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals. TwinLab Stress B-Complex Caps with Vitamin C are easier to swallow and assimilate...

Genes Vitamin E Creme Swiss Collagen Complex Moisturizing Creme for Dry and Sensitive Skin 16 oz List Price: $16.99 Sale Price: $13.25 You save: $3.74 (22%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Genes Vitamin E Creme Swiss Collagen Complex Moisturizing Creme for Dry and Sensitive Skin 16 oz Genes Vtamin E Swiss Collagen Complex Creme, for dry and sensitive skin, contains biologically compatible amounts of Vitamin E, A, and D plus Panthenol and Allantoin...

User's Guide to the B-Complex Vitamins Sale Price: $5.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The B-complex vitamins are a family of nutrients that play multifaceted and essential roles in health and preventing disease. They are needed to make and repair DNA and increase energy levels-both key steps for slowing the aging process...

User's Guide to the B-Complex Vitamins List Price: $4.99 See Reviews For This Product Description The B-complex vitamins are a family of nutrients that play multifaceted and essential roles in health and preventing disease. They are needed to make and repair DNA and increase energy levels-both key steps for slowing the aging process...

SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex 1 oz (28.35 g) List Price: $85.00 Sale Price: $79.00 You save: $6.00 (7%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Provides extraordinary antioxidant protectionAge DefenseAnti

Emergen-c Super Energy Booster - Flavored Fizzy Drink Mix, Contains 1000 Mg Vitamin C, 32 Mineral Complexes, B Vitamins, Value Pack - 40 Tangerine and 40 Raspberry -80 Packets Sale Price: $32.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description * Dietary Supplement * Super energy booster * 1000 mg Vitamin C as 7 mineral ascorbates * 32 Mineral complexes * B Vitamins * Emergen-C is so much more than just Vitamin C * The foundation of Emergen-C is built on seven mineral ascorbates * These mineral ascorbates of potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, chromium and zinc provide your body with 1,000 mg of vital, life-sustaining Vitamin C in a non-acidic, stomach-friendly formula * Unlike ordinary Vitamin C supplements, Emergen-C also has a total of 32 active mineral complexes along with key B Vitamins * All combined, Emergen-C is a potent blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that support healthy metabolic function, boost your immunity and give you a burst of non-caffeinated energy * Spring o Emergen-C can put an extra spring in your step with the natural energy boost of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 * Summer o When temperatures rise, drinking Emergen-C's electrolyte-enhanced formula, with 32 mineral complexes, can help replenish critical fluids and minerals lost through perspiration * Fall/Winter o Emergen-C supports a healthy immune system with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C, zinc, and 32 minerals complexes * Made in the USA

Metabolic Maintenance- Vitamin E Complex 400 IU 100 gels [Health and Beauty] Sale Price: $14.85   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Vitamin E Complex 400 IU 100 gels Vitamin E Complex is a blend of natural tocopherols derived from soybeans and includes 400 iu of d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols. Vitamin E Complex is available in a fat-soluble softgel...

Glucosamine for Dogs - 120 Chewable Tablets Sale Price: $14.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Glucosamine Complex for Dogs is a leading supplement for the treatment of canine osteo-arthritis and hip dysplasia offerred at significant savings compared to similar supplements at veterinarian offices...

Nature's Bounty Vitamin B Complex Sublingual Liquid, 2 Ounce (Pack of 4) List Price: $23.96 Sale Price: $23.32 You save: $0.64 (3%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Dietary Supplement. Promotes Energy Metabolism. Great tasting; Fact acting; Alcohol free; Easy to take liquid; With a burst of B-12. This liquid provides an excellent source of B Complex Vitamins to help safeguard a sufficient daily intake...

NOW Foods Vitamin C-Complex (8 oz.) Sale Price: $10.97 See Reviews For This Product