Pyridoxine (B6)

Question 1

What is the active form of Pyridoxine?

Answer 1

PLP

It is made in the liver

Question 2

How is Pyridoxine absorbed?

Answer 2

Is present in food as PLP but must be converted back to pyridoxine for absorption

Sources from animal products are more readily absorbed

Absorbed passively in small intestine

Question 3

How is pyridoxine transported through the body?

Answer 3

Through the blood bound to albumin

Question 4

Where is pyridoxine stored in the body?

Answer 4

Main storage site is in the muscles

Question 5

What are the functions of pyridoxine?

Answer 5

PLP is needed for over 100 enzymatic reactions, particularly those involving nitrogen

PLP is required in almost all amino acid metabolism

PLP is required in amino acid transamination for synthesis of non-essential amino acids

Required in glycogenolysis to maintain blood glucose levels when fasting

Required for the synthesis of key metabolic compounds

• haeme ring
• histamine
• seratoinin, dopamine, adernaline

Question 6

Is there an upper level for pyridoxine?

Answer 6

An upper limit is in place for pregnant womens, as toxicity can cause permanent nerve in the fetus

Question 7

What is caused by a pyridoxine deficiency?

Answer 7

• Oily dermatitis
• Microcytic hypochromic anemia (small and pale RBC: due reduced haeme and haemoglobin synthesis)
• convulsions, depression, confusion

Question 8

What foods are good sources of pyridoxine?

Answer 8

• Oats
• Potato
• Banana
• Pinto beans