B6 Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is one of the compounds that can be called vitamin B6, along with Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. Pyridoxine assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production. 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.

It is based on a pyridine ring, with hydroxyl, methyl, and hydroxymethyl substituents.

It differs from pyridoxamine by the subsitituent at the '4' position.

It is often used as 'pyridoxine hydrochloride'.

It is converted to the biologically active form pyridoxal 5-phosphate.

It is required for the production of the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline as it is the cofactor for the enzyme aromatic acid decarboxylase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the precusors 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-htp) into serotonin and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa) into dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. As such it has been implicated in the treatment of depression and anxiety