Vitamin b6 benefits for skin
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Benefits of Vitamin B6 for Skin Health
Essential Role in Skin Development and Maintenance
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy skin. It plays a significant role in amino acid metabolism as a coenzyme, which is vital for the synthesis of proteins and other molecules essential for skin health1. Deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to dermatitis, characterized by inflamed, scaly skin1 2.
Protective Effects Against Skin Inflammation
Recent studies have highlighted the protective effects of vitamin B6 against skin inflammation. In psoriasis, a common inflammatory skin disorder, altered vitamin B6 metabolism has been observed both locally and systemically. Vitamin B6 vitamers have been shown to reduce skin neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, and NF-kB activity, which are key factors in skin inflammation3. Additionally, inhibiting vitamin B6-dependent enzymes like glycogen phosphorylase L (Pygl) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd) has been found to alleviate oxidative stress-induced inflammation, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory skin conditions3.
Potential Risks and Adverse Effects
While vitamin B6 is essential for skin health, excessive doses or inappropriate use can have adverse effects. For instance, dietary supplementation of vitamin B6 in a low-vitamin B6 diet has been shown to enhance UV-irradiated skin tumorigenesis in hairless mice, although it did not influence carcinogen-induced skin tumorigenesis1. Moreover, topical application of vitamin B6 can exacerbate UV-irradiated skin phototoxicity, and irradiated vitamin B6 compounds have demonstrated toxic properties in human fibroblasts1. Therefore, it is crucial to balance vitamin B6 intake to avoid potential skin health issues under certain conditions, such as strong sunlight exposure.
Conclusion
Vitamin B6 is indispensable for maintaining healthy skin and preventing dermatitis. It also offers protective benefits against skin inflammation, particularly in conditions like psoriasis. However, caution is necessary to avoid excessive intake or misuse, which can lead to adverse effects, especially under UV exposure. Balancing vitamin B6 intake is key to harnessing its benefits for skin health.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin B6 and Skin Lesions in Rats
Vitamin B6 helps cure rat acrodynia, a symmetrical dermatitis caused by a vitamin B-free diet, in young rats.
The vitamin B6-dependent enzymes PYGL and G6PD fuel NADPH oxidases to promote skin inflammation.
Vitamin B6-dependent enzymes PYGL and G6PD promote skin inflammation, offering potential targets for treating skin inflammatory disorders like psoriasis.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyCutaneous metabolism of vitamin B-6.
Vitamin B-6 metabolism in skin differs from that in other organs, with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate hydrolase activity being regulated by kinase and oxidase activity rather than pyridoxal 5'-phosphate hydrolase activity.
In Vitro StudyEffects of Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C on Human Skin Cells: Is the Perceived Effect Measurable?
Local application of certain combinations of B vitamins can positively influence human skin cells, promoting wound healing and fibroblast migration.
In Vitro StudyVitamin B6: A Molecule for Human Health?
Vitamin B6 is essential for cellular metabolism and well-being, playing diverse roles in enzymatic reactions and offering potential benefits for human health.
Highly CitedVitamin B6 in Health and Disease
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in metabolism, cellular signaling, and aging, and its deficiency may be associated with various diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
High vitamin B6 levels may cause neurotoxic peripheral neuropathy, while low B6 levels may be a potential risk factor for peripheral neuropathy, but further studies are needed.
Systematic ReviewVitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Vitamin B12 and folate may not be modifiable risk factors for slowing cognitive decline in community-dwelling older individuals.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal