Human Metabolome Database (HMDB): Pyridoxine, also known vitamin B6, is commonly found in food and is used as a dietary supplement. Pyridoxine is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot synthesize it, and it must be obtained from the diet. Sources in the diet include fruit, vegetables, and grain. Although pyridoxine and vitamin B6 are still frequently used as synonyms, especially by medical researchers, this practice is sometimes misleading (PMID: 2192605). Technically, pyridoxine is one of the compounds that can be called vitamin B6 or it is a member of the family of B6 vitamins. Healthy human blood levels of pyridoxine are 2.1 - 21.7 ng/mL. Pyridoxine is readily converted to pyridoxal phosphate which is a coenzyme for synthesis of amino acids, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), sphingolipids and aminolevulinic acid. Pyridoxine assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production. Therefore pyridoxine is required by the body to make amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is linked to cancer immunity and helps fight the formation of homocysteine. It has been suggested that pyridoxine might help children with learning difficulties, and may also prevent dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, pyridoxine can help balance hormonal changes in women and aid in immune system. Lack of pyridoxine may cause anemia, nerve damage, seizures, skin problems, and sores in the mouth (Wikipedia). Deficiency of pyridoxine, though rare because of widespread distribution in foods, leads to the development of peripheral neuritis in adults and affects the central nervous system in children (DOSE - 3rd edition). As a supplement pyridoxine is used to treat and prevent pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, certain metabolic disorders, problems from isoniazid, and certain types of mushroom poisoning. Pyridoxine in combination with doxylamine is used as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women.
External links: hmdb.cakegg.jpebi.ac.ukpubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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