Vitamin B6

# What is vitamin B6? Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin and is important for the formation of various messenger substances, including serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These are crucial for our mood, biorhythm and behavior. Vitamin B6 is also essential for detoxification in the liver, for brain metabolism, blood formation and the regulation of homocysteine levels. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the activation of genes. Vitamin B6 works closely with folic acid, vitamin B2 and B12 to regulate homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid which, in high concentrations in the blood, can form deposits in the blood vessels and increase the cardiovascular risk. A vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to anemia, skin diseases and neurological disorders. ## Examples of foods rich in vitamin B6: > ## Good to know > > In histamine intolerance, there is often a deficiency of the enzyme diaminooxidase (DAO), which breaks down histamine in the small intestine. If too much histamine is consumed through food, it can lead to itching, redness, migraines, nausea etc...... A particularly high level of histamine is found in long-ripened, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, cheese and red wine. > The enzyme diaminooxidase benefits from an extra portion of vitamin B6 and copper, which act as cofactors. In this way, the breakdown can be stimulated and the symptoms improved. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating two genes related to vitamin B6 metabolism: The NBPF3 gene (neuroblastoma breakpoint member 3 gene) carries the blueprint in the cells for a hormone that is partly responsible for the excretion of vitamin B6 from the body. - Variant rs4654748 of the NBPF3 gene: Genotypes C/T or C/C show low vitamin B6 levels and increased excretion of vitamin B6. The ALPL gene (alkaline phosphatase gene) carries the blueprint for the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the cells. The enzyme plays a central role in bone metabolism and phosphate balance in the body. Genetic variations in this gene can increase the activity of the enzyme and force the breakdown of vitamin B6. - Variant rs1697421 of the ALPL gene: Genotypes C/T and C/C show low vitamin B6 levels. - Variant rs1780316 of the ALPL gene: The genotypes T/C or C/C show a low vitamin B6 level.