Patrick Holford
See book keywords and concepts |
 In a study in New Zealand, the homocysteine scores of patients with chronic kidney failure and very high homocysteine levels were reduced by a further 18 percent when 4 g of TMG was given, along with 50 mg of vitamin b6 and 5,000 meg of folate, compared with the levels of patients taking just B6 and folic acid.63 Some companies produce combinations of these nutrients (see www.thehfactor.com). These are the most cost-effective supplements for restoring a healthy homocysteine level. |
| B2 25 mg, vitamin B3 (niacin) 50 mg, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 50 mg, vitamin b6 50 mg, vitamin B12 10 meg, folic acid 200 meg, biotin 50 meg. Also supplement 1,000 mg of vitamin C a day.
The nutritional benefits of vitamins are explained more fully in chapter 12. Minerals
Like vitamins, minerals are essential for just about every body process. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus help make up the bones and teeth. Nerve signals, vital for the brain and muscles, depend on calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Oxygen is carried in the blood by an iron compound. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
See book keywords and concepts |
| If your homocysteine levels are high, you should be getting an additional 200 mg daily of vitamin b6 (pyridoxine), and 1 to 4 mg of folic acid daily until your homocysteine levels are back to normal.
Since a deficiency of vitamin B12 can also indirectly raise homocysteine levels, and since a high intake of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, make sure your intake of vitamin B12 is at least 1,000 meg per day. Vitamin B12 is best taken sublingually (under the tongue), or as a nasal gel or spray. |
| The tuberculosis drug isoniazid depletes vitamin b6, as do the yellow dyes called tartrazines found in 60 percent of all prescription drugs and in many processed foods. Among the many symptoms of a B6 deficiency are hormonal imbalances and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Grapefruit juice can increase the strength of many drugs by blocking the liver enzymes that are used to clear the drug out of the body. |
| What Else to Take If You Take This Drug Take 50 mg of vitamin b6 daily in addition to your daily multivitamin.
Minoxidil (Loniten)
What Does It Do in the Body?
Lowers blood pressure, grows hair.
What Is It Prescribed For?
High blood pressure, male pattern baldness.
What Are the Possible Side Effects/Adverse Effects? This is such a dangerous drug that it is recommended only as a last ditch effort if no other hypertensive drugs have worked. It can cause a serious condition called pericardial effusion, and it can make angina worse. |
| You can try 50 mg of vitamin b6 twice daily taken with food.
We have a growing body of evidence that there is a hormonal link to asthma. Women are four times as likely to have an asthma attack when they are premenstrual, and hormone replacement therapy that uses estrogens can aggravate asthma. Many women with asthma find that their symptoms improve while they are pregnant, when progesterone levels rise dramatically, and that asthma returns with a vengeance postpartum. The hormonal culprit is most likely what Dr. |
| Vitamin A (preformed, not as beta-carotene), up to 50,000 IU a day in divided doses for up to two weeks to help heal mucous membranes and resist infection (do not take over 10,000 IU daily if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant).
• vitamin b6, 50 to 100 mg three times a day.
• Magnesium citrate, gluconate, or glycinate, 200 to 300 mg three times a day.
• Fish oil supplements daily containing 1,000 to 3,000 mg of EPA for up to three weeks when symptoms become troublesome (make sure they have a natural preservative such as vitamin E). |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Supplemental folic acid and vitamin b6 have been repeatedly shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke, probably by virtue of their effects in lowering homocysteine. There are many more examples of research studies showing that supplemental nutrients can prevent, reverse, or slow many diseases.
Another problem that arises from relying on food alone for vitamins and minerals is that sometimes the foods rich in a specific nutrient are not necessarily the best conveyors of these nutrients. |
Dr. Julian Whitaker
See book keywords and concepts |
| It has been shown to enhance memory and brain function in older individuals, and low levels of this nutrient correspond to poor scores on tests of cognitive function. vitamin b6 deficiencies are not uncommon in the aging population.
Suggested Dosage: 75 milligrams of vitamin b6 daily. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is the most important of the B vitamins for proper brain functioning. |
Patrick Holford
See book keywords and concepts |
| However, too much suppresses immunity, probably by using up available vitamin b6. Diets high in saturated or hydro-genated fat suppress immunity and clog up the lymphatic vessels; but essential fats, found in cold-pressed seed oils, boost immunity. Therefore, a well-balanced protein, low-fat diet, with fats obtained from essential sources such as seeds and nuts, together with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, is best for maximum immunity. |
J. Robert Hatherill
See book keywords and concepts |
 The RDA of vitamin b6 for adults is 2 milligrams.
Heavy smokers who have supplemented with both vitamin Bl2 and folic acid have shown remarkable decreases in precancer cells, compared to smokers not given these vitamins. What's more, studies with animals suggest that vitamin Bl2 may suppress tumor cell growth.
Earlier we learned that folic acid is critical for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. vitamin b6 and Bl2 are required for this transformation also (as are magnesium and biotin). |
Michael Lerner
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ladner and Salkeld then studied vitamin b6 status in 6,300 gynecological cancer patients with cervical, uterine, endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers. They found that before radiotherapy, in uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer, "the more the tumor had progressed, the more pronounced was the impairment of vitamin b6, B( and B2 status. During the course of irradiation, the vitamin B status became progressively more impaired." This led to their important findings that quality of life and survival were both improved with B6 supplementation. |
Walter Last
See book keywords and concepts |
 For kidney stones, use lemon juice and grapefruit, ascorbic acid, vitamin b6, magnesium, and zinc, but restrict your calcium intake. Useful herbs are buchu, cornsilk, dandelion, and uva ursi; as diuretics, try juniper berries, elderberries, or peach leaves. Colonics with water low in minerals delay the need for dialysis. You need sufficiently high fluid intake to produce about one gallon of urine daily. Most effective in serious conditions is urine therapy (see step 22). |
| Take vitamin b6 (especially with problems of the hands) and nicotinamide in addition to multivitamins. Take 500 mg or more of magnesium, boron, zinc, and MSM; try copper salicylate for pain and inflammation, or, alternatively, copper colloids or copper bracelet. Also recommended are acidophilus, digestive enzymes, celery seeds, and yucca. Most helpful are glucosamine, chondroitin, mussel extract, or liquid bovine or shark cartilage, and broth of fish heads. (See Alkalizing with Calcium and Magnesium and The Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio in step 6. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Litwack and his colleagues showed that vitamin b6 could retard and eventually kill rat liver cancer cells in the test tube. However, the B6-supplemented growth medium had little effect on human breast cancer cells. The resistance of these breast cancer cells suggested that B6 must first be altered in the body by another substance, before it can act as a growth inhibitor. "These findings suggest the potential use of vitamin b6 as an antineoplastic agent," the Fels scientists concluded (2). |
| At the Nassau Hospital Cancer Center in Mineola, NY, and at Temple University's Fels Research Institute in Philadelphia, PA, doctors have been using a concentrated topical application of vitamin b6 to treat melanoma. Dr. Gerald Litwack of Fels says that B6 triggers the production of another substance, which stops the cancer's growth.
Litwack and his colleagues showed that vitamin b6 could retard and eventually kill rat liver cancer cells in the test tube. However, the B6-supplemented growth medium had little effect on human breast cancer cells. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
See book keywords and concepts |
| For example, vitamin b6 works with magnesium to get calcium into your bones. Vitamin D and vitamin K also help to orchestrate the movement of calcium into bones.
The hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are also actively involved in the making and unmaking of bone. Testosterone, and progesterone build bone, while estrogen slows bone loss.
In osteoporosis, the old bone is being reabsorbed faster than new bone is being made, causing the bones to lose density and become thinner and more porous. The integrity and strength of our bones is related to bone mass and density. |
John Boik
See book keywords and concepts |
 Vitamin B6 deficiency may be involved in carcinogenesis, since vitamin b6 is required for DNA repair. In established cancers, however, B6 supplementation may be detrimental. A number of animal and in-vitro studies have indicated that B6 may increase the proliferation of various cancer cell lines. Conversely, B6 deficiency inhibits proliferation (Demetrakopoulos and Brennan, 1982). Several human tumors xenografts in mice exhibit increased growth with B6 administration, and reduced growth with B6 deficiency (Fortmeyer et al, 1988; Stone, 1989). |
Walter Last
See book keywords and concepts |
| Improves energy production in muscles and heart
• Helpful with muscle diseases, such as motor neurone disease
• Protects against brain injuries, and can improve memory
Cysteine: This is a high sulfur-content amino acid formed in the liver from methionine; it needs vitamin b6 to work well. It acts as a brain neurotransmitter; high-dose supplements of cysteine can interfere with brain functions in susceptible individuals. |
Marcia Zimmerman, C.N.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Bernstein, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Science, many conditions in clinical neurology can be improved with a vitamin b6 supplement. Among them are seizures, autism, depression, headaches, and chronic pain, many of which are often associated with AD/HD. It is important to be aware of this and take vitamin b6 to keep your levels up if you are facing AD/HD.
Faulty neurotransmission is considered the leading reason for inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, temper tantrums, sleep disorders, forget-fulness, and aggression. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 GABA, the inhibitory neurotransmitter, is made from glutamic acid, the stimulatory neurotransmitter. vitamin b6, or pyridoxine, acts as a catalyst in this conversion, metabolizing glutamic acid. When there is a relative deficiency of B6, an excess of glutamic acid is unopposed by lower-than-normal levels of GABA. Overstimulation and irritability can result. Whereas with adequate supplies of B6, sufficient supplies of GABA are manufactured, and the nerves are consequently sedated. This is how, by extension, vitamin b6 prevents anxiety. |
Marcia Zimmerman, C.N.
See book keywords and concepts |
| The research team knew that vitamin b6 (pyridoxine) elevates serotonin levels, and they wanted to know if vitamin b6 was just as effective as methylphenidate in alleviating hyperactivity.
The six children in the trial (five boys, one girl) were taking methylphenidate. During the twenty-one-day trial, the children alternated between taking a placebo and high and low doses of both methylphenidate and pyridoxine. Behavior-rating scales were used to assess their response. |
J. Robert Hatherill
See book keywords and concepts |
| Earlier we learned that folic acid is critical for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. vitamin b6 and Bl2 are required for this transformation also (as are magnesium and biotin).
HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN Bl2 prevents cancer enhances immune system prevents heart disease
It is not surprising that if there is a deficiency in either vitamin b6 or Bl2, homocysteine will accumulate. When homocysteine levels rise, this causes damage to the interior of vessels (or arteriosclerosis), and it may increase the risk of heart disease. |
| The use of oral contraceptives is associated with decreased levels of beta carotene, vitamin b6, vitamin C, and folic acid. Many common medications, including antibiotics and antacids, are known to interfere with the uptake of vitamins. Both aspirin and antiepilepsy drugs can inhibit the uptake of folic acid, and when taken daily these drugs can cause vitamin deficiencies.
A regular intake of alcohol alters the activity of vitamin D and is associated with low blood levels of beta carotene, folic acid, thiamin, and vitamin b6. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| WALNUTS
There's also a plentiful supply of vitamin b6 in whole grains, whole wheat, and cruciferous vegetables.
Deficiencies in vitamin b6 have been linked to asthma, autoimmune disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, heart conditions, kidney stones, PMS, and seizure disorders. The increase in the appearance of these ailments parallels the increase in B6 antagonists present in prescription drugs and processed foods. Alcohol, birth control pills, hydrazine dyes, anti-tuberculosis isoniazid, and anti-hypertensive hydralazine are among the more common B6 antagonists. |
Ruth Winter, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 PYRIDOXINE HCL • See vitamin b6.
PYRIDOXINE TRIPALM1TATE • vitamin b6 Tripalmitate. See Pyridoxine HCL.
PYRITHIONE ZINC • Head and Shoulders Antidandruff Shampoo. X-Seb Shampoo. Zincon Dandruff Shampoo. A zinc derivative that acts as an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient for the skin. Relieves the itching and scalp flaking associated with dandruff and with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. PYROCATECHOL • Used as an antiseptic. Colorless leaflets, soluble in water; prepared by treating salicylaldehyde with hydrogen peroxide. |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
See book keywords and concepts |
 TURKEY FOR YOUR HEART
Turkey is a good source of niacin, vitamin b6, and vitamin BI2. All three of these B vitamins are important for energy production. Niacin seems to be associated with lowering the risk for heart attack and heart attack deaths. Low levels of vitamin BI2, as well as of B6 and folate, are associated with high levels of homocysteine—an amino acid-like substance that may be an independent risk factor for heart disease.
TURKEY FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Turkey is rich in zinc, a remarkable nutrient that is present in all tissues of the body. |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| For example, we say that eggs are a great source of many nutrients and vitamins, including selenium and vitamin B6; their sulfur content also helps the liver detoxify. We also suggest you try an elimination diet to avoid them. The point is that some of you may have discovered that eggs trigger allergies or inflammation, so you should search out other sources of the nutrients they contain. On the other hand, if your system thrives on eggs, include them in your diet. Be sensible. Again, not every recommendation will work for every reader. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
See book keywords and concepts |
 She generally recommends 250 milligrams of vitamin b6 daily, 500 milligrams of calcium citrate three times daily with meals, and a magnesium citrate supplement that provides roughly 150 milligrams of elemental magnesium twice a day. You should take this amount of vitamin b6 only under medical supervision, however.
Your doctor may also advise you to avoid the foods that increase the level of oxalate (the stone-forming mineral) in your urine— namely spinach and other leafy vegetables, chocolate, tea, nuts, strawberries, rhubarb, and wheat bran. |
Email this page to a friend
