Abstract: Vitamin B6 represents a group of substances with vitamin B activity and these substances are derivatives of 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridine: pyridoxine (alcohol), pyridoxal (aldehyde), and pyridoxamine (amine), and their 5′-phosphorylated forms. Pyridoxal-5′-phosphate serves mainly as a coenzyme for about 100 enzymes in amino acid metabolism including transamination, decarboxylation, and elimination. Pyridoxamine-5′-phosphate acts exclusively as a coenzyme for transaminases (transferase, oxidoreductase, hydrolase, lyase). Vitamin B6 has many functions in various systems of the body (immune system, nervous system, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, erythrocyte function, hormone modulation, gene expression, niacin formation). Deficiency symptoms are hard to detect and are similar to those due to deficiencies of niacin and riboflavin. Together with high homocysteine levels dementia may occur. Some drugs reduce vitamin B6 concentration, especially when they are taken over an extended period of time (then vitamin B6 status should be monitored): hydrazines, chelators, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, l-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), alcohol. In developed countries, a mixed diet is sufficient to supply the recommended 1.2 mg day-1.
Publication Year: 2011
Publication Date: 2011-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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