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Definition |
A group of water-soluble vitamins essential for metabolism and normal physiological functions. B6 vitamins, including pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, are converted in vivo to pyridoxal phosphate, a cofactor necessary for the synthesis of amino acids, neurotransmitters, and sphingolipids. More than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism require vitamin B6 as a cofactor. Vitamin B6 is essential to red blood cell, nervous system, and immune systems functions and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. Vitamin B6 is found in a wide variety of foods including cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables. (NCI04)
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