Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine[edit | edit source]
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is one of the vitamins included in the B complex family. It plays a vital role in a wide range of physiological functions, including amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin production.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin. Its chemical formula is C8H11NO3, and it exists in several forms, including pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal phosphate, which is the active coenzyme form.
Dietary Sources[edit | edit source]
Good dietary sources of pyridoxine include:
- Poultry, fish, and liver.
- Starchy vegetables like potatoes.
- Non-citrus fruits.
- Fortified cereals and grains.
Biological Functions[edit | edit source]
Pyridoxine is essential for:
- Protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
- The creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
- Immune function.
- Brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
Adequate pyridoxine intake is associated with potential health benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Supporting brain health and mood regulation.
- Alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Pyridoxine Deficiency[edit | edit source]
Deficiency of pyridoxine, though rare, can lead to:
- Anemia.
- Skin disorders.
- Neurological symptoms like depression and confusion.
- Weakened immune function.
Toxicity and Overdose[edit | edit source]
While pyridoxine is generally safe, excessive intake can lead to neuropathy and other health issues. Supplementation should be monitored, especially for high doses.
Pyridoxine in Medicine[edit | edit source]
In medical contexts, pyridoxine is used:
- To treat or prevent pyridoxine deficiency.
- As a treatment for certain metabolic disorders.
- To prevent or treat side effects of certain medications like isoniazid.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Vitamin B6
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B6
| Pyridoxine Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
