PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Pyridoxine deficiency, also known as vitamin B6 deficiency, refers to a condition characterized by lower than normal levels of pyridoxine in the body. Pyridoxine is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the metabolic processes of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, immune system function, and the formation of red blood cells.
A deficiency in pyridoxine can have various detrimental effects on the body. One of the most notable consequences is impaired neurological function, leading to symptoms such as nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. Mental health issues like depression, confusion, and irritability may also occur. Additionally, pyridoxine deficiency can weaken the immune system, resulting in an increased susceptibility to infections and a reduced ability to fight them off.
Pyridoxine deficiency can arise due to inadequate intake of foods rich in the vitamin, as well as certain medical conditions that impair absorption or utilization of pyridoxine. Alcoholism, kidney disease, certain medications, and malabsorption disorders are potential contributors to this deficiency.
Treatment typically involves increasing dietary intake of pyridoxine-rich foods or taking pyridoxine supplements. Foods like fish, poultry, whole grains, beans, nuts, and bananas are good dietary sources of this vitamin. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, as excessive intake of pyridoxine can have its own set of risks and side effects.
Common Misspellings for PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY
- oyridoxine deficiency
- lyridoxine deficiency
- -yridoxine deficiency
- 0yridoxine deficiency
- ptridoxine deficiency
- pgridoxine deficiency
- phridoxine deficiency
- puridoxine deficiency
- p7ridoxine deficiency
- p6ridoxine deficiency
- pyeidoxine deficiency
- pydidoxine deficiency
- pyfidoxine deficiency
- pytidoxine deficiency
- py5idoxine deficiency
- py4idoxine deficiency
- pyrudoxine deficiency
- pyrjdoxine deficiency
- pyrkdoxine deficiency
- pyrodoxine deficiency
Etymology of PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY
The word "pyridoxine" is derived from the chemical name "pyridine" combined with "oxine". Pyridine is a heterocyclic organic compound with a six-membered ring containing five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. Oxine, also known as 8-hydroxyquinoline, is an organic compound that contains a quinoline ring with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached at position 8. Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6 that plays a crucial role in various biological processes.
The word "deficiency" simply refers to a lack or insufficiency of something. In the context of "pyridoxine deficiency", it indicates an insufficient amount of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) within an organism.
