The Multifaceted Vitamin B6: Metabolism, Cardiovascular Health, Cognition, and Cancer

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 33 39
    By

    Rajesh Yadav,

  • Neelesh Kumar Maurya,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida,, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Vitamin B6 is hydrophilic and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes. It acts as a cofactor in different enzymatic reactions. Vitamin B6 exists in various forms, including pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), the most active form. Vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, such as PLP is essential for transamination, the process of transferring amino groups between amino acids. This is vital for synthesizing non-essential amino acids and breaking down amino acids for energy. It helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as vitamin B6 is involved in removing carboxyl groups from amino acids, leading to the formation of important molecules like neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA) and histamine, glucose regulation, immune function, and haemoglobin formation. PLP is crucial for the synthesis of heme, the iron-containing part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Adequate vitamin B6 is necessary to prevent certain types of anemia. Various foods are a good source of vitamin B6, and deficiency can manifest in symptoms such as anaemia, neurological abnormalities, and dermatitis. Certain conditions, such as kidney disease and alcohol dependence, can increase the risk of deficiency. This review summarizes the key functions, dietary sources, deficiency risks, and health implications of vitamin B6. The review also shows the Vitamin B6 association with cancer and cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is also shown in different age groups of people. The interaction of Vitamin B6 and specific medication was evaluated in the current review. The comprehensive review on vitamin B6 reveals that low vitamin B6 concentrations are linked to autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. Vitamin B6 can act as an antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products.

Keywords: Pyridoxin, anemia, cardiovascular risk, vitamin B6 as superfood, plant-based foods

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Rajesh Yadav, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. The Multifaceted Vitamin B6: Metabolism, Cardiovascular Health, Cognition, and Cancer. Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2025; 14(02):33-39.
How to cite this URL:
Rajesh Yadav, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. The Multifaceted Vitamin B6: Metabolism, Cardiovascular Health, Cognition, and Cancer. Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2025; 14(02):33-39. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjofst/article=2025/view=211919


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 12/04/2025
Accepted 06/05/2025
Published 17/06/2025
Publication Time 66 Days
342

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