Vitamin B6 deficiency can be caused by excess consumption of alcohol, sugary foods and processed foods.  Poor gut health, high exposure to environmental toxins, and many pharmaceutical drugs will lower levels of B6 ¹. 

As we grow during our teenage years we typically need more B6.  Many individuals today struggle with poor digestive health and bacterial dysbiosis.  Gut bacteria play an important role in the production and utilization of B6.  Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, parasites, and candida overgrowth can all hamper B6 production. 

Why is B6 deficiency a widespread problem?

Although not widely recognized, poor vitamin B₆ status may be relatively common in individuals eating a Standard American Diet.²  In the United States, a remarkably high number of adults—90% of women and 71% percent of men—consume diets that are deficient in vitamin B₆ using the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) as a measure.³ 

Furthermore, according to recent national health data, many individuals have inadequate vitamin B₆ status despite meeting the RDA of B₆ from their diets.⁴  But a probable common cause for the poor status of some is a low intake of foods rich in highly bioavailable vitamin B₆.

What is the problem with most B6 on the market?

The most common form of vitamin B6 that is sold on the market is in the form of Pyridoxine hydrochloride (PNHCl). When compared with pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) supplements, PNHCl requires an additional enzymatic step in the liver to be converted to the form utilizable by the body.^5,6 

Many practitioners recommend P-5-P supplements over PNHCl supplements for this reason¹ and because there have been more reports of adverse effects with the use of high doses of pyridoxine.⁷

But in order for pyridoxine to be used by the body it must first be converted to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P), a process that takes place in the liver.

Individuals with compromised liver function have difficulty making this conversion and consequently may be at risk of a vitamin B6 deficiency.

Supplementing with B6 Power ensures you receive the most bioactive form of vitamin B6.

Ingredients: Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate 50mg

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable stearate.

What is the recommended dosage?

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule per day, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Normal Dosage: 1 cap – 1 time daily (with or without food)

Advanced Dosage:  1 cap – 2-3 times daily (with or without food)

Sources:

1. Stargrove MB, Treasure J, McKee DL. Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Mosby; 20082. Azuma J, Kishi T, Williams RH, Folkers K. Apparent deficiency of vitamin B₆in typical individuals who commonly serve as normal controls. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol1976;14:343-366
2. Kant AK, Block G. Dietary vitamin B₆intake and food sources in the US population: NHANES II, 1976-1980. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;52:707-716
3. Morris MS, Picciano MF, Jacques PF, Selhub J.Plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate in the US population: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004. Am J Clin Nutr.2008;87:1446-54
4. Mackey AD, Davis SR, Gregory JF III. Vitamin B₆. In:Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease.Baltimore Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:452-461
5. Kang-Yoon SA, Kirksey A, Giacoia GP, West KD. Vitamin B₆adequacy in neonatal nutrition: associations with preterm delivery, type of feeding and vitamin B₆supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62:932-942
6. Clayton PT. B₆-responsive disorders: a model of vitamin dependency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2006;29:317-326