Pyrodoxine is a common form of vitamin B-6. Pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin which cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained in the diet, according to Oregon State University. Pyridoxine is a unlike other forms of vitamin B-6, as it is not lost during the cooking process. Pyridoxine plays an important role in various bodily functions.
Function
Pyridoxine is essential in the development of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals throughout nerve cells. Normal brain development and function rely on pyridoxine. Pyridoxine helps the body to make serotonin and norepinephrine, hormones that influence mood, and melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's clock, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pyridoxine also works in conjunction with other B vitamins to help to control homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease. It also is required for the proper absorption of vitamin B-12.
Identification
Severe deficiencies of pyridoxine are rare, although the University of Maryland Medical Center reports mild deficiencies may be somewhat common. Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, and an overactive thyroid may increase your need for pyridoxine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of a deficiency include anemia, seizures, and sores in your mouth.
Considerations
Eating a diet rich in foods such as poultry, salmon, milk, lentils, beans, spinach and whole-grain flour provides enough pyridoxine to prevent deficiencies. The recommended dietary allowance varies, based on age and lifestyle factors such as breastfeeding, but is generally 1.3mg to 1.5mg per day for healthy adults, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are concerned that you aren't getting enough of this vitamin, speak to your doctor who may recommend a B-complex or a multi-vitamin. Pyridoxine is available as an individual supplement, as well.
Benefits
The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, reports that research has been done on the effects of several ailments or conditions and pyridoxine use. Pyridoxine may reduce symptoms of depression, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Pyridoxine may also improve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. UMMC also reports that some studies suggest pyridoxine may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and heart disease. As with all vitamins and supplements, check with a health care provider before taking pyridoxine.
Precautions
Pyridoxine comes in regular and long-acting tablets and is usually prescribed once daily. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. Pyridoxine may interact with some medications, such as Sinemet, Phenobarbital, and Dilantin, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Potential
Pyridoxine may reduce the side effects of certain chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer without reducing the effectiveness of the drug. Always discuss the use of supplements with your oncologist, especially if undergoing chemotherapy. Patients taking certain tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline should discuss the use of pyridoxine with their psychiatrists, as it may improve the effectiveness of those medications.
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