Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk
of inflammation and metabolic conditions,and subsequently
cardio-disease risk.
A cross-sectional study with 1,205 people found that higher levels
of vitamin B6, were linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein
(CRP), a marker of inflammation, and lower levels of 8-hydroxy-
2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker for oxidative stress, both
of which are related to heart disease risk.
C-Reactive Protein is produced in the liver and is a known marker
for inflammation. Increased levels of CRP are a reliable predictor
for the onset of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research
Center on Aging at Tufts University report their findings in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Our data suggest that vitamin B-6 may influence cardiovascular
disease risk through mechanisms other than reduction of the amino
acid homocysteine and support the notion that nutritional status may
influence the health disparities present in this population," reported
the researchers.
Study details
The team measured levels of PLP, CRP, and 8-OHdG in 1,205
adults aged between 45 and 75 and living in Massachusetts.
Results showed a strong dose-dependent relationship between
PLP levels and CRP levels, with the highest PLP levels associated
with CRP levels almost 50 per cent lower than low PLP levels.
Furthermore, the highest average levels of PLP were associated
with 8-OHdG concentrations of 108 nanograms per milligram,
compared to 124 ng/mg for low PLP levels.
The associations were observed even after the researchers took
into account homocysteine levels.
It is not the first time that PLP levels have been linked to C-Reactive
Protein levels. A Harvard study reported last year that PLP levels
were slightly inversely correlated with blood levels of CRP, and may
also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 50 per cent (Cancer
Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Vol. 18, pp. 1197-1202).
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2010,
"Association of vitamin B-6 status with inflammation, oxidative
stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions: the Boston
Puerto Rican Health Study"
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