What Is Pyridoxine?
Pyridoxine is a water-soluble B vitamin.
It is relatively stable in heat and acidic conditions, but is easily degraded by light in neutral and alkaline conditions, so it is generally handled as pyridoxine hydrochloride with enhanced stability. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride. Other derivatives are registered in the cosmetics field. The product is a white to light yellow crystalline powder that is soluble in water and insoluble in ethanol. Its melting point is approximately 206°C.
Uses of Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is used primarily in the following three applications:
1. Pharmaceuticals
Pyridoxine is used in the prevention and treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency as well as in the following cases:
- Supplementation of increased demand for vitamin B6 when dietary intake is inadequate (e.g., wasting disorders, pregnant and lactating women, etc.)
- Vitamin B6 dependence (e.g., vitamin B6-responsive anemia)
- Symptoms presumed to be related to vitamin B6 deficiency or metabolic disorders include the following: angulus, cheilitis, glossitis, acute and chronic eczema, seborrheic eczema, contact dermatitis, acne, peripheral neuritis, and radiation injury.
2. Food Additives
Pyridoxine is also used as a food additive, as pyridoxine hydrochloride. It is added to adjusted milk powder and flour to fortify them with vitamin B6, and is also used in confectionery, beverages, and other foods with an added healthy image.
3. Cosmetics
Pyridoxine hydrochloride and pyridoxine trishexyldecanoate are used in cosmetic applications, each with different uses.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is used in cosmetics for its sebum inhibitory effect. It is used in hair conditioning agents to control excessive sebum secretion and in skin care products to prevent shiny skin.
Pyridoxine Trishexyldecanoate
Pyridoxine trishexyldecanoate is a vitamin B6 derivative consisting of isopalmitic acid attached to three hydroxy groups of pyridoxine. It is a liquid, oil-soluble substance with high skin penetration.
Filaggrin is a protein found in the stratum corneum. When the skin lacks moisture, filaggrin collects keratin, a protein that forms the framework of the stratum corneum, and plays a central role in the function of creating a moisturizing stratum corneum. Pyridoxine trishexyldecanoate is thought to promote the production of filaggrin, thereby acting to retain moisture in the skin.
Pyridoxine Principle
Pyridoxine exists in animal cells as phosphorylated pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) or pyridoxamine phosphate (PMP) bound to enzyme proteins. During cooking and processing, and after entering the stomach as food, most PLP and PMP are released, hydrolyzed, and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, pyridoxine 5ʼ β-glucoside (PNG) is present in living plant cells and is partially hydrolyzed in the digestive tract, where it is absorbed in its hydrolyzed form. Once absorbed, Pyridoxine is used as a cofactor in a variety of reactions in the body. The main roles of pyridoxine are as follows:
- Metabolism of amino acids and proteins
- Bioavailability of unsaturated fatty acids
- Fetal and infant brain development
- Immune function
Other Information on Pyridoxine
1. Recommended Intake of Pyridoxine
The recommended intake of Pyridoxine is 1.4 mg/day for men and 1.1 mg/day for women over 18 years of age.
2. Maximum Intake of Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is known to cause a distinct adverse effect called sensory neuropathy, which is observed when several grams per day are consumed for several months. It is a sensory disorder of the nerves that transmit sensations in the body and internal organs.
3. Foods Containing Pyridoxine
Many foods contain Pyridoxine. Animal foods include red fish, meat, and liver. Plant foods contain pyridoxine, such as bananas, peppers, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
4. Deficiency of Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine deficiency in the normal diet is rare. However, some drugs for tuberculosis and antidepressants inhibit the absorption of Pyridoxine.
Pyridoxine deficiency can cause dermatitis, seizures, immune compromise, and anemia. In severe cases, glossitis, mouth ulcers, and mental confusion may occur.