B6 Or Pyridoxal – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
B6 Or Pyridoxal
Pyridoxine or vitamin B, exists in three forms:
- Pyridoxine.
- Pyridoxal and
- Pyridoxamine.
This vitamin is widely distributed throughout the plant and animal kingdom. Vitamin B6 is water soluble vitamin. The best sources are meat, especially liver, some vegetables and grains with bran Deprivation of this vitamin in adults may cause depression, confusion and convulsions,
(Ref: Molly Sam’s A text book of Nutrition for Nurses/2/89)
Sources of pyridoxine:
Animal sources: Milk, liver, meat, egg yolk, fish.
Plant sources: Whole grain cereals, carrots, legumes, and vegetable.
Rich sources of pyridoxine are dried yeast, rice polishings, wheat germ and liver.
Functions of pyridoxine:
1. Pyridoxine is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells.
2. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
3. Pyridoxine might also be of benefit for children with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
4. It assists in the maintenance of serum level of sodium and potassium.
5. It helps to promote red blood cell production.
6. It is involved in the nucleic acids-RNA as well as DNA synthesis.
7. It is linked to cancer immunity and fights the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which is detrimental to the heart muscle.
8. Dietary deficiency of pyroxine is rare and is mostly seen in women taking oral contraceptives and in alcoholics and infants.
(Ref: Sheilla John’s/1/83)
Effects of pyridoxine deficiency:
Following condition may develop when pyridoxine is in short supply:
1. Irritability.in
2. Nervousness.
3. Insomnia.
4. Anemia.
5. General weakness.
6. Skin changes such as dermatitis.
7. Asthma and
8. Allergies.
9. Kidney stones may also form.
10. In children convulsive seizures may be the predominant neurological symptom.
(Ref: Sheilla John’s/1/84)
Daily requirement of pyridoxine:
- Adults may need – 2 gm.
- During pregnancy and lactation 22.5 gm/day
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