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PYRIDOXAL 5 PHOSPHATE #73
In
order for vitamins to be utilized by the body, they must first be converted into
their active coenzyme forms. The active form of Vitamin B-6 is
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate or P5P, this active form allows for the best absorption,
because it is ready to go to work immediately.
It
is primarily in the liver that P5P is synthesized from pyridoxine with the help
of enzymes this requires Vitamin B2, zinc and magnesium for their activity. P5P
is associated with numerous enzymes, many of which are involved in amino acid
metabolism. This necessary process produces the neurotransmitters dopamine, nor
adrenalin, GABA and cartooning, as well as the hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Many
B6 supplements are the inactive pyridoxine HCL form. In some cases
supplementation of this form singularly, caused a reversible numbness &
tingling of the extremities. In doses as low as 200 mg daily over a 3-year
period. This problem was thought to be secondary to the liver's inability to
convert this form into the useable P5P form. Using P5P avoids this problem.
It's
the P5P our bodies really need to break down and use fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates, to make red blood cells and antibodies, to help the digestive and
nervous systems function, and to maintain healthy skin. But some folks have
trouble-converting pyridoxine into P5P. Those susceptible to a deficiency
include some breast-fed infants, elderly persons on a poor diet, and women on
estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills. B6 has recently been found to
benefit the autistic and is thought the P5P form may even provide more benefit.
Also,
people such as: pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly, the autistic, and
babies at risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). P5P is the only form of
B6 that the fetus and newborn baby can use. In premature babies, who are more
susceptible than full-term babies to SIDS, the use of the pyridoxine form of B6
can result in irreversible central nervous system damage. And lack of P5P can
predispose a surviving premature infant to atherosclerosis in later life. In
addition, the fact that B6 benefits some persons with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
and not others, we think may well be traced to the person's ability or inability
to make P5P from pyridoxine.
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY:
- Depression
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Slow learning
- Poor dream recall
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Cracks around mouth & eyes
- Dermatitis & acne
- Inflamed eyes
- Facial oiliness
- Stillbirths from deficiency
during pregnancy
- Decreased lymphocytes
- Decreased vitamin C levels
- PMS
- Increased sensitivity to sound
- Water retention
- Decreased resistance to
infection
- Impaired wound healing
- Poor appetite
- AM nausea/vomiting
- Dental cavities
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Impaired calcium utilization
- Decreased absorption of copper
- Decreased iron status
- Decreased Vitamin B 12
absorption
- Arthritis
- Muscular weakness
- Neuritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Temporary limb paralysis
- Numbness & tingling in the
limbs
- Anemia
- Elevated homocysteine levels
- Seizures
- Low blood sugar
- Low glucose tolerance
- Abdominal pain
PYRIDOXAL-5-PHOSPHATE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Helping to relieve
premenstrual syndrome.
- Useful with carpal-tunnel
syndrome.
- Helps boost immunity.
- Is protective against
atherosclerosis.
- May be protective against
forms of cancer.
BENEFITS
FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
In
many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is thought to result from long-term
repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, such as from typing. Although
repetitive motion is often a culprit, it does not explain the frequent
occurrence of CTS with non-motion-related conditions, such as pregnancy.
Conventional treatment includes splinting, rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and
frequently, surgery, which relieves pressure and eliminates the symptoms.
Nutritional
supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin B6 is the most frequently used and
well-known nutritional treatment for CTS. It appears that many people with CTS
have vitamin B6 deficiencies. Some studies show that people with CTS are helped
when given 100 mg of vitamin B6 three times per day. Although some researchers
have found benefits with lesser amounts, the results have not been consistent.
Often, CTS will improve in two to three months with vitamin B6 supplementation.
In
order to be effective, vitamin B6 must be transformed in the body to
pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. Some doctors of natural medicine suggest that people who
do not respond well to the vitamin B6 supplements try 50 mg of
pyridoxal-5'-phosphate three times per day.
Are
there any side effects or interactions? Although side effects from vitamin B6
supplements are rare, at very high levels this vitamin can damage sensory
nerves, leading to numbness in the extremities as well as difficulty walking.
Vitamin B6 supplementation should be stopped if these symptoms develop.
Note: Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 per
day, or 75 mg of P5P. Consult your health care professional before using this
product.
Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate
is somewhat humidity sensitive. It should be kept out of the sun, in a cool, dry
place. Do not refrigerate! Keep out of the reach of children.
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