Vitamin B6 As Antioxidant
Pyridoxal phosphate concentrations of plasma and liver indicated that an initial deficiency state was reached. Vitamin B6 deficiency led to peroxidative stress: TBARS production was higher in the liver (+18.6%) and even more in the heart (+61%) of deficient rats as compared with controls. Furthermore, significant stimulation of glutathione-dependent enzymes occurred in both heart and liver of deficient rats: glutathione peroxidase activity increased in heart (+144%) and liver (+505%); glutathione reductase increased in heart (+54.9%) and liver (+15.5%). No difference in the total glutathione content of the organs of the two groups was observed. The reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio was significantly lower in deficient rats. Although the activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes was significantly greater in deficient rats than in controls, this stimulation was only partially able to counteract the peroxidative damage due to vitamin B6 deficiency. 13
The main functions of the B vitamins include support of nerve tissues and nerve function, muscle function, conversion of fatty acids and amino acids into hormones, proteins, and enzymes. It also produces energy for the body such as an electrolyte would. Vitamin B complex is good for heart disease and reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol which is a contributing factor for some heart complications. It is also used as an inflammation defense supplement. This powerful antioxidant has many uses and should be taken daily through a multivitamin or mineral. Many top brands, such as Puritans Pride, can give you the recommended amount needed to supply the body with the needed amount. 9
The American Heart Association (AHA) is not recommending the use of antioxidant vitamins in the prevention of coronary disease until research can conclusively show their beneficial impact on the reduction of LDL. The AHA is further recommending that diets that are high with foods that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as Vitamin E, C, and beta-carotene) are much more beneficial in terms of preventing cardiovascular disease. Eating a diet that is low in trans and saturated fats, as well as low in cholesterol will supply more than enough antioxidant vitamins to the body. This is not to say that antioxidant vitamins should not be considered for skin care, however they should not be strictly used for the prevention of heart disease. 42
Homocysteine is metabolized (chemically transformed) into methionine and cysteine with the help of the B vitamins; folic acid, B12, and B6 (pyridoxine). Therefore, insufficient amounts of these B vitamins in the body can theoretically hamper the metabolic breakdown of homocysteine, and hence increase its blood levels. High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) can damage the inner surface of blood vessels, promote blood clotting, and accelerate atherosclerosis. 29
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a treatment for dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and dandruff using a vitamin supplement compound comprising folic acid, vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6. The vitamin supplement compound may also be essentially free of antioxidants. By "essentially free" it is meant that the vitamin compound should not contain an amount of antioxidants which would tend to damage and inactivate some of the vitamin B12 and/or folic acid of the vitamin supplement. The presence of lower amounts of antioxidants would not render the vitamin compound of the present invention ineffective or of reduced effectiveness. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is a provided a multiple vitamin supplement compound for use in a medicament for the treatment of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and dandruff. 47
Vitamin B2 is needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into ATP, the fuel the body runs on. Under some circumstances, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant. 19
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. 48
Antioxidants neutralize the damage to cells caused by free radicals and may be relevant to cataracts if oxidative damage to the lens leads to cataract formation. Antioxidant substances are found naturally in food and include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), carotenoids, and anthocyanidins. The minerals selenium and zinc are co-factors for naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes. Carotenoids are nutrients that are not classified as vitamins, and they include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, the lycopenes, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The carotenoids are found in leafy green vegetables, corn, kiwi, and many other green, red, or yellow fruits and vegetables. The anthocyanidins are responsible for the blue color of blueberries and bilberries. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin, which occur in animal and plant tissues, have also been studied in relation to cataract development. 23
Vitamin E � 200 IU The efficacy of Vitamin E in maintaining cardiovascular health is ascribed primarily to its antioxidant properties. Research shows that antioxidants maintain heart health by shielding LDL-cholesterol (�bad cholesterol�) from free radical damage, which is often the first step on the road to plaque-clogged arteries. Vitamin E also improves platelet function (blood clotting). 8
The exact mechanism of antioxidants in the lens is not known. A hypothesis is that damage to the lens is caused by oxidative stress, leading to denaturation and precipitation of proteins and eventually to opacification. It is possible that oxidants damage the lens membranes and enzymes responsible for electrolyte balance and energy production. Antioxidants possibly prevent cellular damage in the lens by eliminating free radicals and harmful oxidants that are generated by light absorption and by normal metabolic processes.[1,2] Vitamins C and E are found in the lens, and it appears that higher vitamin C intake produces an increase in concentration in the lens. 23
Selenium (as Seleno-L-Methionine) � 25 mcg Selenium functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and works synergistically with Vitamin E and Glutathione to protect tissues and cells from oxidative damage. Selenium has been shown to reduce the tendency of blood to clot by stabilizing platelet membranes. Studies show that populations deficient in this antioxidant trace mineral are at a greater risk for heart disease. Seleno-L-Methionine, the organic form of Selenium found in this supplement, is the preferred source of dietary Selenium. 8
Alpha-Lipoic Acid � 50 mg This unique sulfur-containing nutrient is called the �master antioxidant�. Unlike Vitamin E (fat-soluble), Alpha-Lipoic Acid is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, and therefore it is effective against a broad range of free radicals. This special antioxidant nutrient may help improve energy metabolism and may also facilitate better conversion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also involved in mitochondrial functions. 8
Flavonoids: Green Tea Extracts (catechins) � 25 mg; Grape Seed Extract (OPC�s) � 15 mg; Red Wine Extract (polyphenols) � 10 mg; Grape Skin Extract (resveratrol) � 10 mg; Curcumin (turmeric extract) � 10 mg; Pine Bark Extract (proanthocyanidins) � 10 mg; and Rosemary Extract � 5 mg Flavonoids consist of over 4,000 different vitamin-like antioxidant compounds naturally found in tea, fruits, and vegetables, each of which has a slightly different effect on health. These potent antioxidants not only counter the artery-damaging potential of highly reactive free radical compounds as well as prevent the formation of oxidized cholesterol and other harmful substances, but also make blood cells called platelets less prone to clumping (sticking together). Flavonoids may also helps to maintain cholesterol levels that are within the normal range. 8
L-Glutathione � 10 mg Glutathione is a naturally occurring sulfur amino acid tripeptide composed of L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. This antioxidant and de-activator of harmful free radicals not only protects individual cells but also the tissues of many organ systems including the arteries. Along with Selenium, Glutathione helps to neutralize free radicals and lipid peroxides before they can damage cells. 8
and the percentage of retinopathy (G1: 76.5% vs. G2: 16.7%, 2p = 0.002) were different indicating that G1 had significantly more severe late complications than G2. Current plasma levels of all measured vitamins (A, E, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B6, B12 and folate) and the status of B1, B2 and B6 in erythrocytes did not vary between the two groups (2p > 0.1). 43
References
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Thanks for this information on this anti-oxidant. However, the anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, and E have been linked to premature death and disability. You can read about this in a recent article we published on Brain Blogger.
I would like to hear your comments on this issue at our website. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Shaheen