B vitamins (B6 in particular) and Magnesium have important roles in estrogen metabolism/clearance by the liver
A deficiency in either reduces liver's estrogen clearance rate. Contributes to ED by increasing imbalance of estrogen to PROGESTERONE .
- B6 has a role in the metabolism of estrogens.
Biskind, M.S.: Nutritional deficiency in the etiology of menorrhagia, cystic mastitis and premenstrual tension. Treatment with vitamin B complex. J. clin. Endocr. Metab. 3: 227-234 (1943).
Biskind, M.S.; Biskind, G.R.: Effect of vitamin B complex deficiency on inactivation of estrone in the liver. Endocrinology 31: 109-114 (1942).
Biskind, M.S.; Biskind, G.R.: Inactivation of TESTOSTERONE propionate in the liver during vitamin B complex deficiency. Alteration of the estrogen-androgen equilibrium. Endocrinology 32: 97-102 (1945).
Biskind, MS.; Biskind, GR.: Biskind, L.H.: Nutritional deficiency in the etiology of menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, cystic mastitis, and premenstrual tension. Surgery Gynec. Obstet. 78: 49-57 (1944)
- Magnesium influences estrogen conjugation directly. By increasing glucuronyl transferase activity, an enzyme involved in the hepatic glucuronidation of estrogens.
Brown, R.C.; Bidlack, W.R.: Regulation of glucuronlyl transferase by intracellular magnesium. Proc. Int. Symp. Magnesium and Its Relationship to Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders, Los Angeles1985.
Magnesium deficiency may lower liver's estrogen metabolism/clearance by decreasing the biological activity of B6
- B6 (Pyridoxine) activation depends on magnesium and B2. Pyridoxine requires phosphorylation (requiring magnesium) and oxidation of pyridoxine phosphate (requiring B2) to become active.
- In self preservation, Vitamin B6 increases active transport of minerals (such as magnesium) across cell membranes. Study showed significant increase of magnesium transfer and therefore its utilization.
Abraham, G.E.; Schwartz, U.D.; Libran, M.M.: Effect of vitamin B-6 on plasma and red blood cell magnesium levels in premenopausal women. Ann. clin. Lab. Sci. 11: 333 (1981) [PubMed]
PMT-A is the most common of the premenstrual tension syndromes (PMTS). Characterized by a premenstrual increase in anxiety, nervous tension, irritability and mood swings;
B6 increases DOPAMINE (the calming neurotransmitter). As a cofactor in the conversion of CNS-active excitatory amino acids to the corresponding inhibitory amino acids. If B6 activation is blocked, an alternate pathway converts pyridoxine to pyridoxic acid, which is excreted in the urine . . . increased excretion of pyridoxic acid has been reported during the luteal (post ovulation/pre-menstrual) phase of the menstrual cycle.
Abraham, G.E.: Bioavailability of selected nutrients from a dietary supplement. Optivite for women. J. appl. Nutr. 37: 67 (1985).