Don’t Neglect Your B Vitamins

Pyridoxamine is one of three naturally occurring compounds that make up vitamin B6. As a supplement it has been the subject of much research, and clinical trials suggest that its uses and actions go beyond what was previously imagined.

Pyridoxamine is, in fact, the most potent natural substance known to inhibit glycosylation (cross linking). This process occurs when sugar (glucose) reacts with oxygen and protein, and prevents proteins from performing important functions.

An increase in the number of glycated proteins precipitates aging disorders, including cataracts, hardened skin, toughened collagen, and diabetes. Glycation, especially Advanced Glycated End products (AGE) has been associated with aging for many years. There are both early and late stages in the formation of AGEs, and it is in the latter that Pyridoxamine is thought to be the most effective.

In animal studies, Pyridoxamine has been shown to inhibit the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. While human trials are yet to be completed, they show promise when it is administered at doses of 50 mg twice daily. Some patients have taken as much as 300 mg daily and not displayed any serious side effects.

In addition to Pyridoxamine being able to inhibit AGE formation, it also appears to “trap” advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs). The presence of excessive ALEs may affect the function and integrity of the vascular wall, leading to atherosclerosis. Animal experiments have demonstrated that Pyridoxamine may help to reduce the formation of ALEs, and as such, may help to slow or prevent the formation of atherosclerosis, and therefore, potential heart disease.