RSS
Home
Why would the FDA ban an essential nutrient?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
P5P plays a role cancer immunity. Why ban it?
Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (P5P), an active form of Vitamin B-6 is one the most essential nutrients to bodily function currently known. It impacts both physical and mental health, is necessary for hydrochloric acid production and fat and protein absorption, and maintains sodium and potassium balance. While promoting red blood cell formation, it also is required for healthy brain function and for RNA and DNA synthesis.
It activates enzymes which aid in Vitamin B12 absorption, immune function, and antibody production. P5P also plays a role in cancer immunity and aids in the prevention of arteriosclerosis, while inhibiting the formation of the toxic chemical homo-cysteine. It acts as a mild diuretic, reducing symptoms of PMS, and is helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma.1
Wow! What an awesome nutrient! While P5P is not the only chemical compound found in Vitamin B-6, one must wonder why the FDA would want to ban it. On January 12, 2009, the FDA "reasoned that the ingredient was authorized for investigation as a new drug before it was ever marketed as a dietary supplement." New drug?!?! This compound is naturally occurring, you can find it in a number of foods and herbs. If P5P qualifies as a drug then 1) how will the FDA hinder the natural production of it and 2) how will we be able to benefit from it?
Oh! Well look at this ....
On November 28, 2007, Medicure Pharma petitioned the FDA, requesting "that the Commissioner of Food and Drugs take [action] regarding the unlawful marketing of dietary supplements containing Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate."
But wait a minute?!?! Aren't pharmaceutical companies supposed to be looking out for the health and best interest of mankind? Further scrutiny of the above linked document goes on to state, "Medicure has invested significantly in the development of P5P, a novel cardioprotective treatment intended to address unmet medical needs." Did I read that right? Medicure is jealous that they were unable to corner the market on a naturally occuring nutrient that is vital to maintaining health and longevity? And the FDA bought that argument?!?!
Really this comes as no surprise to me ... I distrust pharmaceutical tycoons and their marionette, the FDA. I find it ironic that pharmaceutical scientists are throwing a temper tantrum about the fact that God has developed a better medicine than they could, and are now trying to usurp that accomplishment by banning all forms unless produced by a pharmaceutical company, namely Medicure Pharma.
And why not? If one had a deficiency in P5P, the resulting symptoms could include one or more of the following: anemia, convulsions, headaches, nausea, flaky skin, sore toungue, vomitting, acne, anorexia, arthritis, conjunctivitis, crack or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperirritability, impaired wound healing, inflammation of the mouth and gums, learning difficulties, impaired memory or memory loss, hair loss, hearing problems, numbness, oily facial skin, stunted growth, tingling sensations, and even carpal tunnel syndrome.1
Is it coming together for you yet? Medicure Pharma is attempting to create "unmet needs." They are pulling the strings of the FDA in order to corner the market on needs already met by a naturally occurring nutrient. While they have been successful at banning P5P in dietary supplements, you can still get P5P from food and herbs at least until genetically modified food becomes the order of the day. All they have to do is genetically modify our food supply to eliminate P5P as a naturally occurring compound and BAM! They have the world's only supply of P5P which would allow them to monopolize the market.
Solution?
First, we should be contacting our US Congressman to tell them they must reel in the FDA, second, we should contact our state Legislators to tell them to reject the FDA's decision (states can do this because of the 10th Amendment), then we should start by planting a few heirloom seeds in a garden. It doesn't have to be big and if you live in the city, you should really check out urban homesteading. Purchase your groceries locally; check out growers markets in your area - this will also support your local economy. Finally, get yourself educated about traditional nutrition and nutritional medicine. If you don't know what those are, you are missing out on a wealth of information that could save your life and your pocket book.
- Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3rd. New York: Avery, 2000. Print.
Addendum:
The following foods have the highest amounts of Vitamin B-6 (P5P):
- Brewer's yeast
- Carrots
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fish
- Meat
- Peas
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
- Wheat germ
Other sources include:
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Beans
- Blackstrap molasses
- Broccoli
- Brown rice and other whole grains
- Cabbage
- Cantelope
- Corn
- Dulse
- Plantains
- Potatoes
- Rice bran
- Soybeans
- Tempeh
Herbs include:
- Alfalfa
- Catnip
- Oatstraw
Related Articles:
Comments
