Functions: Vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of protein,
carbohydrates and fats, the production of neurotransmitters, and the formation
of nicotinic acid. It is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system, skin,
muscles and blood. One of the central roles of this vitamin is in protein
metabolism where it helps regulate the balance of amino acids in the body. It
is also closely involved with the production of hormones.
Deficiency: Severe deficiency is rare, but surveys have revealed that
marginal deficiency might be quite common. The requirement for this vitamin is
increased during pregnancy and lactation due to the additional demands made by
foetus or infant. In animals, adult ruminants are self-sufficient in vitamin
B6, but young animals require supplements during the growth period.
Production: Vitamin B6 was discovered almost as a by-product of the
studies on pellagra, a deficiency disease caused by the absence in the body of
the vitamin niacin. Vitamin B6 gained immense significance with the discovery
in the 1940s of its important role in animal and human nutrition.
Product forms: DSM Nutritional Products supplies vitamin B6 as pure
crystalline powder forms of pyridoxine hydrochloride.
