The effect of a subnormal dose of vitamin B6 on plasma lipid in the rat

The study undertook to ascertain the effect of a subnormal dietary intake of vitamin B6 on plasma levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins and triglycerides. Plasma samples were assessed after 8 weeks in 3 groups of young male Wistar rats receiving a daily pyridoxine hydrochloride intake of 60 (normal control group, A) and 20 micrograms (experimental group C). Group B was the pair-fed control. Vitamin B6 status of all groups was confirmed by measuring plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and pyridoxal. All groups were still in the growth phase at the end of 8 weeks, and since the mean mass for all groups remained within the norm for male Wistar rats, it would appear that caloric intake was not compromised. The fasting triglyceride levels in the normal control group were significantly higher than those of the experimental and pair-fed control groups, although all values remained within the normal range for rats. A subnormal intake of pyridoxine hydrochloride made no significant difference in the high density lipoprotein levels although it contributed to a significant increase in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels. The plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and pyridoxal values were in accordance with the pyridoxine hydrochloride intake of the different groups.