Neuropathy is a condition in which nerves are damaged and their function becomes abnormal. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves or those not part of the brain and spinal cord. Pyridoxine, sometimes called vitamin B-6, is very important for production of proteins by your body. It is also necessary for synthesis of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Failure to consume enough pyridoxine may lead to poor nerve function and peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness and pain, most often in the hands and feet. Sometimes, it also produces a feeling of tingling or burning and a loss of fine sensation. Shooting pains may occur in some cases, as well as a loss of temperature sensation. Occasionally, motor function may also be involved, leading to muscle weakness or problems swallowing or breathing. Involuntary nerve function might also be affected, causing blurred vision, difficulty urinating or defecating, or gastrointestinal problems.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin that is critical for your health. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, over 100 different enzymes central to protein synthesis require pyridoxine. The vitamin is also important for red blood cell production and to keep skin healthy. Pyridoxine also helps maintain your blood glucose in a healthy range between meals, converting stored energy to glucose and keeping your blood sugar from dropping too low. This is an especially dangerous situation for your nervous system, which depends on glucose as an energy source.
Dietary Sources and Causes of Deficiency
Especially good dietary sources of pyridoxine include potatoes, bananas, chicken, pork and beef. Many processed foods such as breakfast cereals are fortified with pyridoxine and are also excellent sources. However, some clinical conditions may jeopardize availability of pyridoxine to your tissues and organs even if you eat a healthy diet. For example, certain malabsorption syndromes, alcoholism, or use of drugs such as isoniazid, an anti-tuberculosis mecidine, or L-DOPA, a Parkinson's disease medication, may lead to a deficiency in pyridoxine.
Recommendations
The recommended daily allowance of pyridoxine for adults under 50 years of age is 1.3 mg, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Pyridoxine supplements are widely available from health food stores and pharmacies and are generally considered safe, although you should not exceed an intake of 100 mg daily. Talk to your doctor to determine if taking pyridoxine supplements is advisable for you.
