Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 

Other name: Pyridoxine

Sources: Meat, liver, egg yolk, pulses, vegetables, wheat, nuts. 

Daily requirement: Infant 0.2–0.4mg and children 0.5 mg.

Functions:-

Functions as a coenzyme for many enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism including aminotransferases, decarboxylases, racemases,and dehydratases. Involved in synthesis of neurotransmitters such serotonin. 

Deficiency: Convulsion, depression, peripheral neuropathy.

Investigations:- 

• Rapid response to supplements. 

• Serum pyridoxal 5-phosphate.

Treatment:-

• Pyridoxine-dependent seizure: 50–100 mg PO, IM, IV. Maintenance dose: 50–100 mg/day 

• Dietary defi ciency: 5–15 mg/day for 3–4 weeks then 2.5–5 mg/day 

• Drug-induced neuritis: 1 mg/kg/day PO, IM, IV qds.