Vitamins
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine HCl
Introduction to Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis (1). Found in foods like poultry, fish, and bananas, it plays a role in producing serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are important for normal brain and nervous system function (2).
Role in Brain Health
Vitamin B6 supports brain health by playing a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are associated with normal nervous system function (2). It also contributes to maintaining healthy homocysteine levels, supporting vascular and brain health, including the blood-brain barrier (3). Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when the body metabolizes protein-rich foods like meat and fish. Choline, along with vitamins B6 and B9 (all included in Axolt's formula), plays a role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels, supporting brain health (4). Additionally, it supports neuronal and glial cell function, which contributes to overall brain resilience (5).
Axolt Formulation Principles
One of Axolt's principle is only to use substances that have scientific backing and research. B Vitamins play a significant role and are crucial in supporting brain function (1, 5).
Unfortunately, B12, despite its importance to the brain, is not part of our formulation, even though most supplements on the market include it. The reason for this is that low levels of B12 are often linked to issues with digestion, meaning that supplementing it on a daily basis is not necessarily the solution. While B12 is important for brain health, it is not included in our formulation, as low levels are often linked to digestive absorption issues. Axolt is committed to using ingredients that align with our evidence-based approach (6).
Core Benefits and Claims
- Neurochemicals: Supports the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA (2).
- Contributes to maintaining healthy homocysteine levels, supporting vascular and brain health (3).
- Neurons: Supports energy metabolism in neuronal cells (7).
- Glial Cells: Supports myelin synthesis, which is important for normal signal transmission (8).
Resources
1. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology. Cells. 2018 Jul 22;7(7):84. doi: 10.3390/cells7070084. PMID: 30037155; PMCID: PMC6071262.
2. Field DT, Cracknell RO, Eastwood JR, Scarfe P, Williams CM, Zheng Y, Tavassoli T. High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2022 Nov;37(6):e2852. doi: 10.1002/hup.2852. Epub 2022 Jul 19. PMID: 35851507; PMCID: PMC9787829.
3. Lehmann M, Regland B, Blennow K, Gottfries CG. Vitamin B12-B6-folate treatment improves blood-brain barrier function in patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia and mild cognitive impairment. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2003;16(3):145-50. doi: 10.1159/000071002. PMID: 12826740.
4. Bertoia ML, Pai JK, Cooke JP, Joosten MM, Mittleman MA, Rimm EB, Mukamal KJ. Plasma homocysteine, dietary B vitamins, betaine, and choline and risk of peripheral artery disease. Atherosclerosis. 2014 Jul;235(1):94-101. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.04.010. Epub 2014 Apr 28. PMID: 24819748; PMCID: PMC4102310.
5. Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068. PMID: 26828517; PMCID: PMC4772032.
6. Wong CW. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly: is it worth screening? Hong Kong Med J. 2015 Apr;21(2):155-64. doi: 10.12809/hkmj144383. Epub 2015 Mar 10. PMID: 25756278.
7. Danielyan KE, Simonyan AA. Protective abilities of pyridoxine in experimental oxidative stress settings in vivo and in vitro. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Feb;86:537-540. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.053. Epub 2016 Dec 23. PMID: 28024289.
8. Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020 Jan;26(1):5-13. doi: 10.1111/cns.13207. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31490017; PMCID: PMC6930825.
