Pyridoxin is more commonly known as vitamin B6. Chemically, it is a pyridine derivative.
In its natural form, vitamin B6 is known as pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P). It is present in meats, fish, liver, dairy products, nuts, whole grains, cereals, and yeast. It is also found in some fruits and vegetables particularly dragon fruit, mangos, bananas, avocados, and potatoes. In nature, it is formed organically by some bacteria.
Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and believed to be involved in more biochemical processes within the human body than almost any other nutrient. It provides several specific health benefits.
Most broadly, vitamin B6 helps the body convert food into energy; stimulates the proper functioning of enzymes; assists the body equilibrate its sodium and potassium balance; and is positive for the functioning of the immune and nervous system.
Vitamin B6 promotes cardiovascular health. It helps fight heart disease by lessening the formation of homocysteine (an amino acid) which allows cholesterol to clog arteries and heart muscle. It keeps red blood cells from clumping together and forming blood clots, which could lead to heart attack or stroke or to the onset of varicose veins.
Vitamin B6 assists cardiovascular health by decreasing the development of homocysteine. This amino acid allows cholesterol to clog arteries and heart muscle. Stated another way, vitamin B6 inadequacy increases the risk of blood clots forming and the development of varicose veins.
In females, vitamin B6 assists hormone balance and eases premenstrual stress by stimulating prostaglandin production, relaxing uterine muscles, and acting as a diuretic.
Vitamin B6 alleviates carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This condition manifests itself as motor and sensory disturbances to wrist and hand movements caused by compression of the median nerve travelling through the carpal tunnel.
Vitamin B6 is also believed to be useful for patients suffering from epileptic seizures in those rare instances when this condition is the result of vitamin B6 deficiency.
Taken in conjunction with magnesium doses, vitamin B6 can be beneficial kidney stone treatment.
Vitamin B6 can be manufactured in a variety of dosage forms. For example, it can be taken orally as a tablet, capsule, or solution. It can also be absorbed as a nasal spray or injected when in solution form.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6 is generally considered to be about 2 milligrams. However, any intake of up to 200 milligrams per day is believed safe for adults.
If a high dosage is taken for an extended period, vitamin B6 can damage sensory nerves and cause sensation loss in feet, legs and hands. Overdose symptoms include poor physical coordination; walking difficulties; decreased sensitivity to touch and temperature; and persistent lethargy.
People taking pyridoxin dietary supplements are advised to consult their healthcare providers particularly if they are epileptics, pregnant, allergy sufferers or have a coronary stent. Epilepsy patients should be aware that vitamin B6 decreases the efficacy of the prescription medicine Dilantin.