The effect of vitamin B6 deficiency induced by desoxypyridoxine in human beings.

Abstract

Abstract Clinical signs of vitamin B 6 deficiency have been induced in 34 of 50 patients who received desoxypyridoxine while consuming an adequate diet or one deficient in the vitamins of the B complex. These signs are (a) anorexia, nausea, listlessness, and lethargy; (b) seborrhea sicca-like dermatitis; (c) cheilosis and conjunctivitis; (d) glossitis; (e) pellagra-like dermatitis; and (f) polyneuritis. Vitamin B 6 deficiency mimics the other B complex deficiency diseases. Lymphocytopenia occurred in the peripheral blood. Eosinophilia was noted when skin lesions were extensive. Mild anemia which occurred in five patients could not be related directly to the vitamin B 6 deficiency state. No changes occurred in the bone marrow. Abnormalities were demonstrated in the metabolism of tryptophane, alanine and urea. Cozymase relieved glossitis after nicotinamide had failed, suggesting that there may be an abnormality in the formation of the pyridine coenzymes provoked by vitamin B 6 deficiency. A direct effect of vitamin B 6 deficiency on fat metabolism or adrenal cortical activity could not be demonstrated. The effects of linoleic acid on pyridoxine deficiency dermatitis suggests that a metabolic relationship exists between the essential fatty acids and the B 6 group of vitamins. Pyridoxine is absorbed and metabolized by the skin. If applied locally in small amounts it will heal the skin lesion at the site of application. If applied over a larger skin area it will relieve all clinical and chemical signs of vitamin B 6 deficiency. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine given orally, parenterally, or in an ointment on the skin will alleviate the clinical and chemical manifestations of vitamin B 6 deficiency, though the patient remains on the same regime that induced the deficiency signs. Pyridoxine is an essential nutrient for human beings. Two to three milligrams will meet the daily requirements of adult human beings very satisfactorily.