Pyridoxine deficiencyVitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex group. Like the other B complex vitamins, it performs numerous functions which are essential for human health. A regular supply must be ensured from the diet because the vitamin can be neither synthesized nor stored in the body.
Vitamin B6 is vital for the body's production of prostaglandins, hormone type compounds important for the blood supply and respiratory system. Vitamin B6 is essential for the proper functioning of at least 100 enzymes governing such biochemical reactions as the production of proteins, genetic matter and amino acids. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the digestion of dietary carbohydrates and fats, and it is necessary for the enzymatic reaction governing the release of glucose from glycogen (a process called glycogenolysis).
Vitamin B6 is known to operate together with vitamins B12 and folic acid to break down homcysteine into the harmless, and in fact beneficial, amino acids, methionine and cysteine; and the effect is potentially very significant, but research is still ongoing.
The main cause of pyridoxine deficiency is a lack of pyridoxine in the diet. Another cause of vitamin B6 deficiency is the use of the anti-tuberculosis medication isoniazid, and for this reason, vitamin B6 is usually given along with this drug.
The disease presents with several key symptoms including seizures, irritability, cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) conjunctivitis, and neurologic symptoms.
The classic clinical syndrome for B6 deficiency produces:
seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption,
atrophic glossitis ,
angular cheilitis (Perlèche),
conjunctivitis,  intertrigo,
and somnolence, confusion and neuropathy.
Also, vitamin B6 deficiency appears to be directly correlated with a reduction the number of the body's T cells, a vital component of immune system function.
A positive diagnosis test for pyridoxine deficiency can be ascertained by measuring erythrocyte levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and transketolase. |
