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What is Pyridoxine Used For?

Pyridoxine, a member of the Vitamin B family, is necessary for metabolizing both protein and fat. It is also essential to the nervous system and in our immune system for formation of antibodies. Food sources of pyridoxine are fish, brewers yeast, spinach, whole-grains, liver, eggs, chicken, carrots and walnuts.

  1. Heart Disease

    • An amino acid protein called homocysteine has been shown to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Maintaining normal levels of homocysteine can be achieved through the supplementation of pyridoxine. A study in Italy reveled the "high vitamin B6 intake leads to an over 70 percent reduced risk of AMI (acute myocardial infarction)."

    Seborrheic Dermatitis

    • Pyridoxine is necessary for the proper metabolism of the skin. Pyridoxine deficiency can cause skin disorders identical to seborrheic dermatitis. Usually a topical pyridoxine ointment is used to correct this and results can be seen in as little as two weeks.

    Arthritis

    • Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis can deplete pyridoxine levels dramatically. In individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, Pyridoxine levels are as much as 50 percent lower than those without rheumatoid arthritis. In a 2005 study conducted by En-Pei Chiang and others, it was determined that "Inflammation causes tissue-specific depletion of vitamin B6."

    PMS

    • Several studies have proven pyridoxine helpful in treating the symptoms of PMS. One such study conducted in the 1980's by W. Barr found that 84 percent of the subjects involved in the trial had significantly lower symptoms of PMS while supplementing with pyridoxine.

    Insomnia

    • Melatonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for our sleep, it produced while it is dark. It is derived from the amino acid tryptophan which we get from food. However we need proper amounts of serotonin to produce melatonin. Pyridoxine aids in the production or serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and sleep.

    Asthma

    • Oral supplementation of pyridoxine has been used to successfully treat some of the symptoms associated with asthma. One study in the 1990s involved 76 asthmatic children and the supplementation of pyridoxine. The conclusion was for those not dependent on steroids to control symptoms, there was a reduction of symptoms for the children taking pyridoxine supplements.

    Migraines

    • Certain foods, chocolate, beer, cheese and wine contain histamines that can trigger an episode of a migraine headache in certain individuals. Headaches can be induced when the histamines cause the blood vessels to expand. For histamine induced migraines, Pyridoxine supplementation can be beneficial because it helps to increase the enzyme diamine oxidase which aids in breaking down the histamine before it is allowed to enter the circulation.

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