Pyridoxine, also referred to as vitamin B6, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. Pyridoxine is most frequently available as the water-soluble salt, called pyridoxine hydrochloride. It is converted in liver into pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, also referred to as P5P. P5P is essential for proper nervous, immune and circulatory system functions.
Sources
Dietary sources of pyridoxine include proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, shrimp, dairy products, eggs, legumes, leafy green vegetables, brown rice, sunflower seeds, bran and wheat germ and whole grain foods. Pyridoxine, as vitamin B6, is available in over-the-counter vitamin preparations, particularly those that are sold as vitamin B complex. These may come in tablet, liquid or capsule form. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 ranges from 1.3mg for men and up to 1.7mg for women.
Health Benefits
Because pyridoxine assists in the production of certain neurotransmitters, it has been used to assist in the treatment of depression. Specifically, pyridoxine is essential for the production of norepinephrine and serotonin, which directly influence mood, and melatonin, which helps to regulate waking and sleep cycles. Pyridoxine also helps control homocysteine levels in the blood. High homocysteine levels are associated with heart disease. It is also an important part of the absorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of immune system cells and red blood cells.
Deficiency
It is rare for a serious pyridoxine deficiency to occur in people who consume a healthy diet. However, some people, particularly children and the elderly, may have mild deficiencies. A deficiency of pyridoxine can result in adverse affects to the skin and mucous membranes, blood cell production and the peripheral nervous system. Pyridoxine deficiencies may also adversely affect mood and circadian rhythms that manage the body's internal clock. Symptoms of serious deficiency may include nervousness, depression, difficulty concentrating, loss of short-term memory, muscle weakness and irritability. Certain medications that interfere with pyridoxine levels in the body may also produce deficiencies.
Medicinal Interactions
People who are taking certain medications should be cautious when also taking pyridoxine. Some medications reduce the levels of pyridoxine in the body. These include Cycloserine and Isoniazid, frequently used in the treatment of tuberculosis; the blood pressure medication, Hydralazine; the rheumatoid arthritis medication, Penicillamine and the asthma treatment, Theophylline. When on these medications, it is imperative that a supplemental form of pyridoxine be taken.
Conversely, pyridoxine may reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs, including tetracycline; certain anti-depressant medications, such as Elavil, Tofranil, and Notpramin; some chemotherapy drugs; Erythropoietin; Levodopa and Dilantin.
Side Effects
Pyridoxine is generally considered safe for both adults and children when used and recommended doses. Side effects can include acne and other skin reactions, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, breast soreness or enlargement and photosensitivity. More serious side effects include increased liver function test results, seizures, respiratory distress in infants and certain sensory neuropathies.
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