w8pedia:Nutrition:Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

The two major forms of vitamin B₆ are pyridoxine and pyridoxamine. In the liver they are converted to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) which is a cofactor in many reactions of amino acid metabolism. PLP also is necessary for the enzymatic reaction governing the release of glucose from glycogen.

Pyroluria is one potential cause of vitamin B₆ deficiency. An overdose of pyridoxine can cause a temporary deadening of certain nerves such as the proprioceptory nerves; causing a feeling of disembodiment common with the loss of proprioception.

At least one preliminary study has found that this vitamin may increase dream vividness or the ability to recall dreams^[1]. It is thought that this effect may be due to the role this vitamin plays in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin^[2].

The US RDA varies between 1.3 mg and 2.0 mg, depending upon age and gender.

Occurrence

Vitamin B₆ seems to exist in animal and vegetable origin, in small doses, in nearly all food. Liver, chicken, fish, green beans, field salad, wheat germ, yeast and bananas are very good food sources

History

Discovery of the vitamin B₆ 1934

References

^ Ebben, M., Lequerica, A., & Spielman A. (2002). Effects of pyridoxine on dreaming: a preliminary study. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 94(1), 135­140.

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