Pyridoxine Treatment

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, helps the body perform many vital functions, including red blood cell metabolism, blood sugar maintenance, and the production of neurotransmitters and a hundred different protein enzymes. It has also been indicated as a potential treatment for a host ailments and syndromes. Older individuals are more prone to have low pyridoxine levels. Alcoholics may also have low levels because alcohol breaks down vitamin B6.

Sources of Pyridoxine

• Many common foods are significant sources of pyridoxine, including cheese, milk, chicken, tuna, brown rice, sunflower seeds, bran, wheat germ and carrots. Generally speaking, eating a balanced diet is enough to provide proper amounts for health. Pyridoxine is also found in multivitamins and B complex vitamins. Pyridoxine treatment typically involves concentrated individual forms of the vitamin, which come in lozenges, tablets and softgels.

Potential Treatments

• Pyridoxine and Serotonin: Pyridoxine is essential in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. People with migraines or depression typically have lowered serotonin levels, and there has been hope that pyridoxine supplements could help boost serotonin, thereby easing depression and migraine symptoms. Evidence so far does not support this hope, with studies indicating that pyridoxine is no more effective than a placebo.

  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Alternative sources have offered pyridoxine as a carpal tunnel cure for more than 30 years. Scientific studies generally do not support this claim. What's more, some popular alternative guides suggest pyridoxine dosages for carpal tunnel that exceed safe limits of 100 milligrams per day. Taking more than 200 milligrams of concentrated pyridoxine per day can lead to problems with nerve function, so exercise caution and your best judgment at all times.

  Rheumatoid Arthritis: Studies show that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may have higher basic pyridoxine requirements. Generally, however, these needs can be met with a well-balanced diet and a complete B vitamin complex. If you want to supplement this approach with concentrated pyridoxine, make sure you talk to your doctor first.

  Heart Disease: Pyridoxine deficiency may lead to a rise in an amino acid called homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine has been linked to stroke and heart disease, and, in theory, pyridoxine supplements could help keep homocysteine levels in check. However, no evidence supports the theory thus far.

  Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Pyridoxine supplements have gained some acceptance in the treatment of premenstrual discomfort. Evidence, however does not support this popularity, and placebos do just as well as pyridoxine. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health notes a rise in the numbers of women with toxic levels of pyridoxine associated with PMS treatment. If you wish to use pyridoxine for this purpose, consult your doctor first.

  Pyridoxine and Alcohol Abuse: Alcoholics can suffer nerve problems in their legs and arms, which are worsened by dietary deficiencies. Supplements containing pyridoxine can alleviate or help diminish these problems.

Combinations to Avoid

• You should avoid taking pyridoxine supplements if you are using certain other medications. Complications can result from mixing the vitamin with any of the following: tetracycline, chemotherapy drugs, levodopa (L-dopa), erythropoietin, dilantin (phenytoin) and some antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline can gain effectiveness from pyridoxine). Again, consult with your physician before making any choices about pyridoxine treatment.