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Vitamin B-Complex · 60 capsules

9 reviews

GN Laboratories

High-dose vitamin B complex specially tailored to the increased vitamin B requirements of athletes and physically active people. Covers the increa...
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Original price €12,90

Original price €12,90 - Original price €12,90

Original price €12,90

Current price €11,48

€11,48 - €11,48

Current price €11,48

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Save 11% Save %

Discovery of vitamin B6 in 1934. Vitamin B6 is a collective term for derivatives of 3-hydroxy -5- hydroxymethyl -2-methyl -pyridine. They are distinguished by a different residual group in position 4, which is involved in the coenzyme function. All three derivatives can be converted into each other and have the same biological activity. Vitamin B6 comprises a group of vitamers. In addition to pyridoxine, the most important vitamin B6-active compounds are pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Pyridoxine is mainly found in plants, while pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are mainly found in foods of animal origin. Chemically, they differ only in their different side groups. Physically, they react differently to heat. Pyridoxine is relatively heat-stable compared to pyridoxal and pyridoxamine.

This is why the loss of vitamin B6 when cooking plant-based foods is lower than that of animal origin. Nevertheless, the bioavailability of animal vitamin B6 is greater overall. This is due to its ability to be absorbed directly by the human intestine. The majority (80%) of vitamin B6 from plant sources must first be metabolized for absorption. In addition, the bioavailability of plant-based pyridoxine is poorer. It can be reduced by up to 80% in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. Pyridoxine enters the blood through diffusion in the small intestine. Other forms of vitamin B6, such as pyridoxal, are also present in the blood. Like many other water-soluble vitamins, vitamin B6 can only be stored for a short period of time. Vitamin B6 reserves are used up after just two to six weeks.

Task/function

The phosphorylated vitamin B6 derivatives act as coenzymes in around 100 enzymatic reactions. Almost all reactions take place in amino acid metabolism. Vitamin B6 has a wide range of functions. Among other things, it is involved in the

synthesis of the blood protein haemoglobin and connective tissue.
Acts as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats
Supports the conversion of tryptophan into niacin and serotonin
In the formation of certain neurotransmitters and tissue hormones such as dopamine, histamine and sterotonin.
It is also involved in reactions that are involved in the conversion and breakdown of amino acids such as cysteine, serine and threonine.

Occurrence

Vitamin B6 is found in small doses in almost all foods of animal and plant origin. Liver, chicken and pork, fish, cabbage, green beans, lentils, lamb's lettuce, wholegrain cereals, wheat germ, nuts, yeast and bananas are very good sources.

Potential health benefits of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in regulating mood. This is partly due to the fact that this vitamin is required for the formation of neurotransmitters that regulate emotions. These include serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (1, 2, 3). Vitamin B6 also plays a role in reducing high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with depression and other psychiatric problems (4, 5). Several studies have shown that depressive symptoms are associated with low blood levels and low intakes of vitamin B6, particularly in older adults who are at high risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. (6, 7, 8). A study of 250 older adults found that low blood levels of vitamin B6 doubled the likelihood of depression (9).

However, using vitamin B6 to prevent or treat depression has not been shown to be effective (10, 11), which may also be related to the fact that there are many other potential causes of depression apart from low vitamin B6 levels. A controlled two-year study of 300 older men who did not suffer from depression at baseline found that those who took a supplement containing vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 did not have a reduced risk of depression compared to the placebo group (11).

Summary: Low vitamin B6 levels in older adults are associated with depression, but vitamin B6 supplementation has not been shown to be an effective treatment for depression.

Vitamin B6 could prevent clogged arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease

Vitamin B6 could prevent clogged arteries and minimize the risk of heart disease. Scientific research shows that people with low blood levels of vitamin B6 have almost twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to people with high blood levels (22). This is likely related to vitamin B6's role in reducing elevated homocysteine levels, which have been linked to several disease processes including heart disease (23, 24, 25). One study found that rats suffering from vitamin B6 deficiency after exposure to homocysteine had higher cholesterol levels and developed lesions that could develop blockage of the arteries compared to rats with adequate vitamin B6 levels (25).

Human studies also show a positive effect of vitamin B6 in preventing heart disease. A randomized controlled trial of 156 healthy adults who had siblings with heart disease divided the subjects into two groups, one of which received 250 mg of vitamin B6 and 5 mg of folic acid daily over a 2-year period, while the other received only a placebo (23). The group taking vitamin B6 and folic acid had lower homocysteine levels and fewer abnormal heart tests during exercise compared to the placebo group, indicating a lower overall risk of heart disease (23).

Summary: Vitamin B6 could help lower high homocysteine levels, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries, thereby minimizing the risk of heart disease.

Vitamin B6 could help prevent cancer

Adequate vitamin B6 intake could help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. The reason that vitamin B6 may help prevent cancer is unclear, but scientists suspect it may have something to do with vitamin B6's ability to fight inflammation, which can contribute to cancer and other chronic diseases (26, 27). A review of 12 studies concluded that both adequate dietary intake and adequate blood levels of vitamin B6 are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Individuals with the highest blood levels of vitamin B6 had an almost 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer (28).

Research on the link between vitamin B6 and breast cancer also shows an association between adequate vitamin B6 blood levels and a reduced risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women (29), although other studies on vitamin B6 and cancer risk have failed to find a link (30, 31). Further studies are therefore needed to determine the exact role of vitamin B6 in cancer prevention.

Summary: Some observational studies suggest a link between adequate vitamin B6 intake and adequate vitamin B6 blood levels and a lower risk of certain cancers.

Vitamin B6 may promote eye health and prevent eye diseases

Vitamin B6 may play a role in the prevention of eye diseases, particularly vision loss that affects older people, known as age-related macular degeneration. Studies have linked high blood levels of circulating homocysteine to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (32, 33). Since vitamin B6 helps to lower elevated homocysteine blood levels, adequate vitamin B6 intake may help to reduce the risk of this disease (34).

A 7-year study of over 5,400 female healthcare workers found that daily intake of a supplement consisting of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid (B9) significantly reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 35 to 40% compared to a placebo (35). However, while these results suggest that vitamin B6 may play a role in preventing age-related macular degeneration, it is difficult to say whether vitamin B6 alone would provide the same benefits. Scientific research has linked low blood levels of vitamin B6 to an eye disease that blocks veins connected to the retina. A controlled study of over 500 participants found that the lowest levels of vitamin B6 were associated with retinal disorders (36).

Summary: Vitamin B6 supplements may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. In addition, adequate blood levels of vitamin B6 may prevent retinal problems.

Vitamin B6 may help treat inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Vitamin B6 may help reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The high levels of inflammation in the body that result from rheumatoid arthritis could lead to low vitamin B6 levels (37, 38). However, it is unclear whether vitamin B6 supplementation can reduce inflammation in people with this disease. A 30-day study of 36 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found that 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day was able to compensate for low vitamin B6 blood levels, but did not reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body (39).

On the other hand, a study of 43 adults with rheumatoid arthritis who took 5 mg of folic acid or 100 mg of vitamin B6 with 5 mg of folic acid daily showed that those who received vitamin B6 had significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory molecules after 12 weeks. The contradictory results of these studies could be related to the differences in vitamin B6 dosage and study duration. However, although high doses of vitamin B6 may have anti-inflammatory benefits in people with rheumatoid arthritis, further research is needed to confirm this beyond doubt.

Summary: Inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis may reduce vitamin B6 blood levels. High doses of vitamin B6 may help to correct these deficiencies and reduce inflammation.

Vitamin B6 could promote brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Vitamin B6 may play a role in improving brain function and preventing Alzheimer's disease, but the research results are contradictory. On the one hand, vitamin B6 may reduce high homocysteine levels, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (12, 13, 14). A study of 156 adults with high homocysteine levels and mild cognitive impairment found that taking high doses of vitamins B6, B12 and folate (vitamin B9) lowered homocysteine levels and reduced degradation in some regions of the brain that are susceptible to Alzheimer's (15). However, it is unclear whether reducing homocysteine levels leads to improvements in brain function and a slower rate of progression of cognitive impairment.

A randomized controlled trial of 400 adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found that high doses of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate lowered homocysteine levels but did not slow the decline in brain function compared to a placebo (16). In addition, a review of 19 studies concluded that supplementation with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate alone or in combination did not improve brain function or reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (17). Further research into the effects of vitamin B6 on homocysteine levels and brain function is needed to better understand the effects of vitamin B6 on brain health.

Summary: Vitamin B6 may prevent a decline in brain function by reducing homocysteine levels, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment. However, studies have not yet been able to prove the effectiveness of vitamin B6 in improving brain health.

Vitamin B6 could be helpful in the treatment of anemia by supporting hemoglobin production

Due to its role in hemoglobin production, vitamin B6 may be helpful in treating and preventing anemia caused by deficiency (18). Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen to the cells of the body. When hemoglobin levels are too low, the cells do not get enough oxygen. The result can be the development of anemia and a feeling of weakness and fatigue. Studies have linked low vitamin B6 levels to the development of anemia, especially in pregnant women and women of childbearing age (19, 20).

However, vitamin B6 deficiency is considered rare in most healthy adults, so there is limited research on the use of vitamin B6 to treat anemia. A case study of a 72-year-old woman who had anemia due to low vitamin B6 levels found that treatment with the most active form of vitamin B6 improved symptoms (21). Another study found that taking 75 mg of vitamin B6 per day during pregnancy reduced symptoms of anemia in 56 pregnant women who had not responded to treatment with iron (19).

Summary: Inadequate vitamin B6 intake can lead to low hemoglobin levels and anemia, so supplementation with this vitamin may prevent or treat these problems.

Vitamin B6 may be helpful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Vitamin B6 is used to treat premenstrual syndrome, including anxiety, depression and irritability. Scientists hypothesize that vitamin B6 may help with emotional symptoms associated with PMS due to its role in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. A three-month study of over 60 premenopausal women found that taking 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily could reduce PMS symptoms such as depression, irritability and fatigue by 69% (41). However, in the same study, women who received only a placebo also reported reduced PMS symptoms, suggesting that the effectiveness of vitamin B6 may be partly due to a placebo effect.

Another small study found that 50 mg of vitamin B6 in combination with 200 mg of magnesium per day significantly reduced PMS symptoms including mood swings, irritability and anxiety during the menstrual cycle (42). However, although these results are promising, they are limited to small studies of short duration. Further research into the safety and efficacy of vitamin B6 for the relief of PMS symptoms is therefore needed before official recommendations can be made (43).

Summary: Some research suggests that vitamin B6 may help reduce anxiety and other mood disorders associated with PMS due to its role in neurotransmitter production.

Vitamin B6 could help treat nausea during pregnancy

Vitamin B6 has been used for decades to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In fact, vitamin B6 is part of a medication used to treat morning sickness (44). Scientists are not entirely sure why vitamin B6 helps with morning sickness, but it may be related to the fact that vitamin B6 plays several roles in ensuring a healthy pregnancy (45). A study of 342 women in the first 17 weeks of pregnancy found that daily supplementation with 30 mg of vitamin B6 significantly reduced feelings of nausea after 5 days of treatment compared to a placebo (46).

Another study compared the effects of ginger and vitamin B6 on reducing episodes of nausea and vomiting in 126 pregnant women. The results showed that taking 75 mg of vitamin B6 per day reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting by 31% after 4 days of treatment (47). These studies suggest that vitamin B6 is effective in treating morning sickness after less than a week of treatment. However, pregnant women who wish to use vitamin B6 to treat morning sickness should discuss this with their doctor in advance.

Summary: Vitamin B6 supplements in doses of 30 to 75 mg per day have been used as an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Other potential health benefits of vitamin B6 based on preliminary study results and needing further investigation

Vitamin B6 could alleviate depression

According to preliminary study results, low vitamin B6 levels are associated with symptoms of depression (48). However, vitamin B6 was not found to be an effective treatment for depression in a two-year study of older men (49). However, some women who consume more foods containing vitamin B6 have a lower risk of developing depression (50). And women who suffer from pregnancy depression show no signs of vitamin B6 deficiency (51). Further studies are therefore needed to investigate the conflicting evidence on the role of vitamin B6 status in depression.

Vitamin B6 could relieve pain

Vitamin B6 supplements could relieve breast pain (periodic mastalgia) (52). In addition, migraine has been associated with vitamin B6 deficiency in some patients (53). However, there is not yet sufficient clinical evidence to support the pain-relieving effects of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 could be helpful in type 2 diabetes

Vitamin B6 deficiency is common among type 2 diabetics (54). Vitamin B6 supplements may help with type 2 diabetes as they can improve glucose tolerance (55, 56). However, these results come from 2 small studies that lacked a control group. Further research is therefore needed to find out more about the role of vitamin B6 in blood glucose control.

Deficiency symptoms (hypovitaminosis)

Because vitamin B6 is found in almost all foods, deficiency symptoms are rare. A deficiency usually occurs together with a deficiency of another water-soluble vitamin and has the following symptoms:

Loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting
Dermatitis, growth disorders and anemia
Degeneration of the peripheral nerves with ataxia and paralysis
Seizures at irregular intervals
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia (disorder of heme biosynthesis)
Seborrhea-like destruction around the eyes, nose and mouth
Cheilosis and glossitis

Certain medications and diseases can lower vitamin B6 levels and cause nerve damage and other deficiency symptoms. Supplementation can help treat or prevent deficiency caused by the following medications (57, 58, 59, 60):

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Antiepileptic drugs (drugs for the treatment of seizures)
Antibiotics (penicillamines)
Tuberculosis medication (isoniazid, cycloserine)

Experts also recommend preventive supplementation for people with (61, 62, 63, 64, 65):

Digestive disorders (coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome)
malnutrition
alcohol dependence
kidney failure

Consequences of an overdose (hypervitaminosis)

Hypervitaminosis only occurs with chronic intake of more than 500 mg/day. This dose cannot be achieved through natural intake, but only through supplements. Taking 1,000 mg of vitamin B6 can cause serious nerve damage and pain or numbness in the hands and feet. Some of these side effects have been observed with as little as 100 to 300 mg of vitamin B6 per day (66). For this reason, the tolerable upper limit for vitamin B6 has been set at 100 mg for adults (66, 67). The amount of vitamin B6 used to treat certain diseases rarely exceeds this amount. If there is an interest in using higher doses, this should be discussed with the treating physician. In general, however, vitamin B6 has a low toxicity.

Requirements

As vitamin B6 has an effect on amino acid metabolism, the requirement depends on the protein intake. The DGE recommends a dose of 0.02 mg/g protein. This would mean a requirement of 1.8 mg for men and 1.6 mg for women. In the case of excessive protein intake, it is assumed that the requirement cannot be covered by the specified amount.

Requirements for sport

10-100 mg per day, taken several times a day with meals.

Interactions of vitamin B6 with medication

Interactions between supplements and medications can be dangerous and in some cases even life-threatening. For this reason, the use of supplements should be discussed with your doctor if you are taking medication. Here are some medications that interfere with the metabolism of vitamin B6 or that are affected by vitamin B6 supplementation:

The broad-spectrum antibiotic cycloserine (seromycin®), which is used to treat tuberculosis, increases the excretion of vitamin B6 via the urine. This can increase the seizures and neurotoxic effects associated with cycloserine. Vitamin B6 supplementation can help prevent these side effects (68). Antiepileptic drugs including valproic acid (Depakene®, Stavzor®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Tegretol® and others) and phenytoin (Dilantin®) increase the breakdown of vitamin B6, resulting in low blood levels of vitamin B6 and high homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels can increase the rate of seizures and strokes in users of antiepileptic drugs (68).

Blood levels of anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin and phenobarbital may be reduced by vitamin B6 supplementation exceeding 200 mg per day for 12 to 120 days (68).

COPD medications such as theophylline (Aquaphyllin®, Elixophyllin®, Theolair®, Truxophyllin®, etc) can cause low vitamin B6 levels, which may result in seizures (68). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce vitamin B6 blood levels, especially when taken chronically for more than 6 months (69).

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B-Complex · 60 capsules