Pyridoxine: The Vitality of Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine, commonly known as vitamin B6, plays a crucial role in the intricate machinery of our body's metabolic processes. One of its primary functions lies in its participation in enzyme systems responsible for removing carbon dioxide from certain amino acids' acid groups (COOH) and transferring amine groups (NH2) between compounds. Moreover, it is indispensable for the proper utilization of specific amino acids, vital for protein synthesis and cellular repair.

Beyond its role in amino acid metabolism, pyridoxine emerges as a linchpin in the production of neurotransmitters, the messengers of the nervous system. It facilitates the synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), crucial for mood regulation, cognition, and overall neurological health.

Notably, both deficiency and toxicity of pyridoxine manifest in neurological symptoms, underscoring its critical role in nerve function. Deficiency can lead to dermatitis around the eyes, sensory neuritis, alterations in white blood cell counts, and eventually, severe neurological complications including convulsions.

The sources of pyridoxine are diverse and accessible, ranging from everyday foods to specific dietary choices. Bananas, barley, beef and its organs, cabbage, raw carrots, yellow corn, lamb and its organs, malt, molasses, tomatoes, tuna, and wheat bran stand out as excellent sources to ensure an adequate intake of this vital nutrient.

In essence, pyridoxine stands as an indispensable nutrient, orchestrating fundamental processes within the body's biochemical pathways and safeguarding neurological health. Its significance underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6-containing foods to support overall well-being and vitality.
Pyridoxine: The Vitality of Vitamin B6

Food sources of pyridoxine

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is part of the enzyme system and act as coenzyme in the transmitting process, for the decarboxylation and racemization of amino acids, and as the essential coenzyme for glycogen phosphorylase.

It is also needed for the utilization of certain amino acids. Pyridoxine assists in the metabolism and use of glycogen that has been stored as a fuel.

Deficiency manifestations are dermatitis around the eyes, eyebrows, and angles of the mouth. They may so be a sensory neuritis and a decrease in certain white blood cells and increase in others.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include bananas, barley, beef and beef organs, cabbage, raw carrots, yellow corn, lamb and the organs of lamb, malt ,molasses, peanuts, pork and the organs of hogs, potatoes, rice, salmon, sardine, tomatoes, tuna, wheat bran and germ, flour and yams. Milk, dairy products and eggs have less pyridoxine than fish and other meats, but they are still good sources.

Certain plant foods contain a unique form of vitamin B6 called pyridoxine glucoside.

Pyridoxine can be lost during processing of frozen foods, luncheon meats and cereal foods.
Food sources of pyridoxine

Pyridoxine

Vitamin B6 also known as pyridoxine, is part of the enzyme systems that removes CO2 from the acid group (COOH) of certain amino acids and transfers amine groups (NH2) from one compound to another in the body.

It is also needed for the metabolism of protein and the proper utilization of stored glycogen as fuel for muscles.

Pyridoxine also participates involved in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals signaling agents of the nervous system. This including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and gamma aminobutyric acid.

It is also critical in the synthesis of many hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone. It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and plays an essential role in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism.

Deficiency is rare except in cases of alcoholism and severe malnutrition.

Pyridoxine is unique in that both the deficiency and toxic states result in neurological symptoms.

Deficiency manifestations are dermatitis around the eyes, eyebrows, and angels of the mouth.

Pyridoxine deficiency disorders are characterized by fatigue, nervousness, irritability, depression , insomnia and walking difficulties.

There are also a sensory neuritis, and a decrease in certain white blood cells and an increase in others.

Prolonged deficiency leads to fall in hemoglobin, mental depression, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension and convulsions.

Since pyridoxine is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, deficiency of pyridoxine may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Low serotonin levels can lead to general stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

The best source of pyridoxine include chicken, fish, kidney, and liver. Good source include egg, brown rice, soybeans, oats, whole wheat bread, peanuts and walnuts.

Because of the widespread occurrence of the vitamin in food, pure pyridoxine deficiency is uncommon, except when the pyridoxine content of food is destroyed or covered to less available protein bound forms during processing.
Pyridoxine

Niacin and Pyridoxine

Both niacin and Pyridoxine are under group of vitamin B.

Niacin
Niacin or nicotinic acid is another B vitamin. Niacin is part of coenzyme that participates in the production and breakdown of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids.

It is also a compound that dilates blood vessel. Deficiency on niacin causes pellagra a (disease that causes diarrhea, dermatitis, nervous disorders, and sometimes death).

In industrialized country, particularly among alcoholics, niacin deficiency may present with only encephalopathy.

Niacin comes from the diet, but the body can also manufacture it from the amino acid tryptophan, with riboflavin helping out in the process.

Adults require 13-20 mg niacin. In pregnancy, lactation and active muscular work, niacin requirement is further increased by 3-4 mg. Children require 5-16 mg niacin.

Beef, hog, and lamb livers are excellent sources of niacin. Other organs and the musculature of these animals are good to fair sources.

Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is part of the enzyme systems that removes CO2 from the acid group (COOH) of certain amino acids and transfers amine groups (NH2) from one compound to another in the body.

It is also needed for the utilization of certain amino acids.

Pyridoxine also participates involved in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals signaling agents of the nervous system. This including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and gamma aminobutyric acid.

Pyridoxine is unique in that both the deficiency and toxic states result in neurological symptoms.
Deficiency manifestations are dermatitis around the eyes, eyebrows, and angels of the mouth.

There are also a sensory neuritis, and a decrease in certain white blood cells and an increase in others.

Prolonged deficiency leads to fall in hemoglobin, mental depression, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension and convulsions.

Bananas, barley, beef and beef organs, cabbage, raw carrots , yellow corn, lamb and organ of lamb, malt, molasses, tomatoes, tuna and wheat bran.
Niacin and Pyridoxine