Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk of inflammation and metabolic conditions, and subsequently cardiovascular disease risk, says a new study.
A cross-sectional study of more than 1,200 people found that higher levels of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, were linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, as well as lower levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker for oxidative stress. Both of these factors are related to heart disease risk.
Increased levels of CRP are a good predictor for the onset of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.