Vitamin B6 consists of a group of chemically related compounds, including pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, which are converted in the body into pyridoxal phosphate. This compound functions as a coenzyme, playing a crucial role in enhancing enzyme activity and facilitating chemical reactions. Vitamins often act as coenzymes to boost enzyme efficiency.The B6 vitamin group is vital for the health of the nervous system, skin, and blood. It plays a key role in synthesizing heme, an essential part of hemoglobin, the primary oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells, with pyridoxal phosphate being the limiting factor in heme production.Although vitamin B6 is seldom missing from the diet since it is present in most foods, deficiencies can occur. This can result from poor absorption in the intestines or deactivation by certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, isoniazid, and penicillamine. Other factors, like hyperthyroidism and conditions that elevate metabolic demands, can also lead to a relative vitamin B6 deficiency.In infants, a lack of vitamin B6 can cause convulsions, while in adults, it can lead to irritability and other symptoms. A notable incident involved infant formula where the vitamin was accidentally destroyed, leading to seizures in babies. Additionally, certain genetic disorders are linked to issues with vitamin B6 metabolism.
