Vitamin B6 is needed for mineral transport across cell membranes and for the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine. Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can damage blood vessels. It's a biomarker for cardiovascular disease when elevated in the blood. Now research reports that high blood levels of vitamin B6 may lower the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) in women.
The study, published in Circulation, investigated the relationship between blood levels of vitamin B6 and heart attack risk in women. Researchers at Harvard University, analyzed the data of 144 women diagnosed with myocardial infarction enrolled in the ongoing Nurses' Health Study. Blood samples obtained from the participants were analyzed for plasma pyridoxal 5' phosphate (the circulatory form of vitamin B6) and homocysteine levels.
The researchers found that higher plasma pyridoxal 5' phosphate (PLP) levels were associated with greater dietary intake of vitamin B6 and lower homocysteine levels. Findings revealed that participants with PLP levels among the top quarter had a 78 percent lower risk of heart attack, compared to those with the lowest PLP levels. Furthermore, women over aged 60 with PLP levels among the top fourth had a 64 percent lower risk of heart attack, compared to those with the lowest PLP levels. Women under aged 60 in top fourth had a 95 percent lower risk of heart attack.
"Fasting plasma concentration of pyridoxal phosphate was inversely associated with myocardial infarction risk, an effect that was in part independent of dietary B(6) intake," the study authors write. "In addition to dietary vitamin B(6) intake, there are other determinants of plasma vitamin B(6) status, and these factors warrant further research."
Support Heart Health with Aventrol
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US. An effective way to support heart health is to take heart healthy vitamins and botanicals.
Progressive Health's Aventrol is specially formulated to promote heart health, help manage congestive heart failure (CHF), and support circulatory health. It features clinically evaluated nutrients including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, hawthorne and tri-methylglycine (betaine).
Leave a comment