What is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride?

Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as pyridoxine HCl, is the hydrochloride salt form of pyridoxine. Pyridoxine is one of the biologically active forms of vitamin B6. It is water-soluble and plays an important role in many critical metabolic processes in the body.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C8H11NO3∙HCl and molecular weight is 205.64 g/mol. When dissolved in water, pyridoxine hydrochloride exists as hydrated salt composed of the pyridoxine cation and chloride anion. It has a melting point range of 205-208°C and is stable when stored dry at room temperature.

Metabolic Role and Functions

Pyridoxine hydrochloride, like other forms of vitamin B6, acts as a coenzyme that is necessary for over 100 enzyme-facilitated reactions involved in metabolism. Some of its key functions include:

- Amino acid metabolism: It facilitates the conversion of amino acids to neurotransmitters like serotonin, melatonin and GABA. This plays a role in mood, sleep and brain function.

- Glucose metabolism: Vitamin B6 is required for glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, keeping normal blood sugar levels.

- Red blood cell formation: It is involved in heme biosynthesis to produce hemoglobin in red blood cells.

- Neurotransmitter synthesis: As mentioned above, pyridoxine is important for synthesizing important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

- Steroid hormone synthesis: It participates in steroid metabolism to produce important hormones like estrogen, testosterone and cortisol.

Sources and Dietary Intake

Good dietary sources of pyridoxine include meats, fish, poultry, potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, bananas and other fruits and vegetables. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 for adults is 1.3 mg/day for men and 1.2 mg/day for women based on guidelines from national health agencies. Most individuals can meet their needs through a balanced diet that includes a variety of these foods. However, pyridoxine supplements may be recommended in some cases.

Deficiency and Symptoms

Vitamin B6 deficiency can result from inadequate intake, malabsorption issues or increased needs during times like pregnancy. Some signs of deficiency include:

- Nervousness, depression and confusion

- Dermatitis and inflammation of the mouth and lips

- Carpal tunnel syndrome due to fluid accumulation

- Anemia due to impaired red blood cell formation

- Nausea and vomiting

- Convulsions and seizures in infants of deficient mothers

Supplements and Medicinal Uses

Pyridoxine hydrochloride supplements are available over-the-counter to prevent deficiency and support optimal health. It may also be prescribed for certain conditions where benefits have been shown, including:

- Premenstrual syndrome: Can help relieve symptoms like mood changes and breast tenderness.

- Depression: Early research suggests it may aid conventional antidepressant treatment in some cases.

- Kidney stones: May help reduce oxalate levels and reduce risk or recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

- Sickle cell disease: May help reduce episodes of pain during sickle cell crises.

- Seizures: High doses given with other anticonvulsants can help control seizures in some children and adults.

Dosage and Toxicity

The safe upper intake level for pyridoxine is 100 mg/day for adults. Toxicity is rare but very high doses over this amount can cause nerve pain and numbness in the legs. Pyridoxine should be taken as directed on product labels or as advised by a healthcare provider. Children, pregnant or lactating women may require different dosing. Overall it is well-tolerated in recommended amounts.

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