Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is one of six forms of vitamin B6 and is necessary for maintaining sodium and potassium balance, producing red blood cells, and converting carbohydrates into glucose. It is found in meat and milk, and a deficiency can cause nervousness, insomnia, mouth sores, and osteoporosis. An excess can cause neurological disorders and numbness in the extremities. The recommended dietary allowance is 2mg for men and women.
Pyridoxine is a compound also known as vitamin B6. It shares this designation with the compounds pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. These substances have very similar chemical structures, and all operate in the human body in the same way. All forms of vitamin B6 are based on the pyridine ring.
These compounds are heterocyclic in nature. This means that they are composed of at least one carbon atom, a non-carbon atom or compound, and are structured like a ring. Pyridoxine has bonded hydroxyl and methyl compounds, plus a carbon atom.
In total, there are six forms of vitamin B6. These include pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine (PM) and their three phosphate derivatives. Vitamin B6 is necessary to maintain the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, and it also stimulates the production of red blood cells. Additionally, pyridoxine helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is used as the body’s source of energy.
There are almost no individuals with severe pyridoxine deficiency. The most common natural sources of this compound are meat and milk. Very few plants are a significant source of pyridoxine, with a dragon fruit grown in Southeast Asia being a rare exception. Vegetarians can suffer from a lack of vitamin B6, but this can usually be made up for by taking supplements. Vitamin B6 is water soluble, which means that the human body does not store it.
A deficiency in pyridoxine causes nervousness, insomnia, mouth sores, and possibly osteoporosis. The most serious complications from a lack of vitamin B6 include nerve damage, seizures, and a reduction in the functioning of the immune system. This vitamin also helps the absorption of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B6 is available in various forms for consumption. These include tablets and capsules that are taken by mouth, as well as a solution form that is usually given by injection. The solution form of this vitamin can also be used in a prepared nasal spray.
An excess of vitamin B6 can also cause health problems. Taking more than 200 milligrams (mg) per day can cause neurological disorders and numbness in the extremities. Symptoms of a pyridoxine overdose can last for years, even after use of the compound has stopped.
In 1987, a study was conducted of women taking vitamin B6 supplements of 50 mg or less per day, for a period of six months. The study found that 21% of these subjects experienced some form of neurotoxicity. The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 is 2 mg for men and women.
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