pyridoxine
Meaning of pyridoxine: Because pyridoxine is water soluble, the body does not store large reserves of it, making regular dietary intake necessary to prevent deficiency.
Definition of pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is one of several related compounds collectively known as vitamin B6, a water soluble vitamin the body needs in small amounts to support normal nerve function, red blood cell production, and the activity of numerous enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is naturally present in a wide range of foods, including poultry, fish, whole grains, legumes, and bananas.
Because pyridoxine is water soluble, the body does not store large reserves of it, so regular dietary intake is generally needed to maintain adequate levels, and a prolonged deficiency can lead to problems such as anemia, skin changes, and nerve related symptoms including numbness or tingling.
Pyridoxine is also available as an over the counter supplement, sometimes taken in amounts well above typical dietary intake, and unlike many water soluble vitamins, sustained high intake of pyridoxine has been associated with nerve damage, an effect distinct from the nerve problems caused by pyridoxine deficiency itself.
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Used in a sentence
Pyridoxine levels were checked as part of the evaluation for the patient's peripheral neuropathy.
Good to know
Both a deficiency of pyridoxine and, less commonly, a sustained excessive intake through supplementation can cause nerve related symptoms, so the direction of the imbalance is not always obvious from symptoms alone.