Vitamin B6: Effects of Deficiency, and Metabolic and Therapeutic Functions BT - Handbook of Famine, Starvation, and Nutrient Deprivation: From Biology to Policy

Abstract

The vitamin B6 vitamersVitamersinclude pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, as well as their phosphorylated forms such as pyridoxal phosphatePyridoxal phosphate, which is a key coenzymeCoenzymefor a surprising variety of enzymes involved in myriad aspects of metabolism. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the synthesis of many neurotransmitters. Given this widespread role, it is not surprising that vitamin B6 deficiency can induce many negative effects including convulsive seizures in infants, developmental delay, hypertension, and susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Conversely, the administration of vitamin B6 vitamers, or the manipulation of vitamer-bound enzymes, has shown promise against cancer, parasitic diseases such as malaria, and Parkinson’s disease. In this chapter, we examine the critical and broad role played by vitamin B6 vitamers and their coenzymes in metabolism, with a focus on the detrimental effects of deficiency and their therapeutic potential.