Discussion

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book suggests that the balance between major forms of vitamin B₆ might affect oxygen affinity. More detailed study of the nature and kinetics of B₆-protein interactions and of the interchange between all of the B₆ forms should enhance our understanding of this vitamin and provide additional insights into the action of antagonists. One of the limitations of most studies of vitamin B₆ metabolism is that data is obtained on only one or two of the seven major forms of vitamin B₆. The effects of 4'-deoxypyridoxine are highly dependent on the experimental conditions, particularly size and timing of the dose, and the amount of vitamin B₆and other nutrients available to both the treated animals and the controls. The book also suggests that phosphatase inhibition might also permit accumulation of adenosine triphosphate.