Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble compound that comes in a total of seven forms. Pyrodoxine (PN) is the form used for B6 supplementation. Vitamin B6 plays a role in macronutrient metabolism, the support of a healthy nervous system, a strong immune system and the inflammatory response and proper hemoglobin synthesis and function. Vitamin B6 serves as a coenzyme for many reactions in the body. Vitamin B6 itself is metabolized in the liver.

The primary role of vitamin B6 is to act as a coenzyme in conjunction with other enzymes in the body that are involved in metabolism. For example, vitamin B6 helps to facilitate the biosynthesis of certain types of lipids. Vitamin B6 is also involved in amino acid and glucose metabolism.

Vitamin B6 can be found in many food sources including meats, whole grains, vegetables and nuts. Up to 50% of vitamin B6 may be destroyed through cooking, freezing, canning, storage and processing. Vitamin B6 can be lost during the milling process of grains since it is found in the germ and endosperm layers of grains.

Vitamin B6 is absorbed in the small intestines. Deficiencies of vitamin can result in dermatitis (skin rashes), burning mouth syndrome (atrophic glossitis), mouth ulcers, lesions in the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), pink eye (conjunctivitis), constant drowsiness or desire for sleep, a sense of weakness or twitching in the legs, and mental confusion. Vitamin B6 deficiency usually occurs in conjunction with deficiencies in other B complex vitamins.

An interesting positive effect of vitamin B6 revealed in at least one preliminary study was that vitamin B6 may increase dream vividness and the ability to recall dreams.  Another study revealed that intake of vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease in those that smoke. Vitamin B6 helps prevent plaque buildup and thus reduces the risk of heart attack. Vitamin B6 has also been found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Nutritional supplementation with vitamin B6 is also an alternative treatment for autism, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and attention deficit disorder. Vitamin B6 can help prevent both carpal tunnel syndrome and premenstrual syndrome. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in hormone balance, which helps to modulate mood and may alleviate nausea, depression and help with memory loss in older adults.