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Pyritinol is also known as pyridoxine disulfide or pyrithioxine (plus a number of additional names under which it is marketed in Europe).
This supplement is a semi-natural water soluble analog of vitamin B6. The supplement was developed by Merck Laboratories in 1961 when they bonded two vitamin B6 compounds together with a disulfide bridge.
Pyritinol has been both a prescription and an over-the-counter supplement since the 1970’s for the use of cognitive and learning disorders, especially in children.
Since the early 1990’s it has been considered a Nootropic dietary supplement within the United States and it is approved for the treatment of certain types of dementia and other brain impairments in a number of different European countries. It has been estimated that more than 100,000 people have used Pyritinol dosages in the EU countries within the last five years.
Memory
Mental Function
Mood- Increases acetylcholine activity
- Promotes reasoning, memory & learning
- Supports dopaminergic activity & mood
Pyritinol Effects:
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Although the exact mechanisms of action for this supplement are not entirely understood, we do know that it is closely related to vitamin B6, which is considered to be one of the most important nutrients for proper brain function.
As a supplement, this is able to easily cross over the blood-brain barrier and reach the central nervous system where it begins to exert its influence.
Once here, Pyritinol is thought to boost the level of Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter critical in the development and consolidation of memory, learning, and a number of other cognitive processes.
Pyritinol is also thought to work by improving a number of other neurological processes. Many of these are influenced by the increase in Dopamine levels which is a brain chemical associated with pleasurable feelings as well as enhanced motivation and focus. Pyritinol is a highly efficient precursor to this neurotransmitter.
This supplement has also been shown to increase glucose utilization by the brain. This helps supply the brain with a constant stream of fuel and energy, resulting in baseline improvements to cognitive performance.
Pyritinol Benefits:
Some of the most sought after benefits of Pyritinol are those related to improved cognitive functions and mental processes. Choline uptake into the neurons is enhanced, which serves to increase the level of circulating Acetylcholine within the brain.
This leads to improvements in memory, learning capacity, and even a faster speed of memory retrieval. You may feel like it is easier to recall details and facts when they are needed and you grasp connections between different concepts more readily.
A number of user reports also indicate that this supplement produces greater mental clarity, concentration, and focus, along with increasing their mental agility. There is evidence suggesting that higher Acetylcholine levels are associated with faster visual processing (which may also explain the faster reaction times noticed in other studies).
Pyritinol is further known to boost mood and feelings of well-being. This is most likely connected to the higher levels of Dopamine.
Low levels of Dopamine have often been associated with anxiety and even depression. It is also thought to help with focus and concentration and relieving stress.
This supplement has a number of anti-oxidant benefits as well. Pyritinol can protect the brain against free hydroxyl radicals which can damage red blood cells, DNA, lipids, and proteins. It also releases Norepinephrine to boost working memory, alertness and drive.
Finally, Pyritinol is known to be an effective remedy for hangovers. A British study suggests that taking this supplement after a night of drinking can actually reduce the inflammation in your cerebrum. According to the study, this can alleviate the characteristic morning after headache and possibly even keep the brain cells healthier, leading to less neuron damage and premature cell death.
Pyritinol Dosage:
There is a fairly wide dosage range used with Pyritinol. Generally, people have recommended anywhere between 100 and 1200 mg per day.
Most people seem to fall within the 400 to 600 mg range on a daily basis. The best idea is to split this into two equal administrations, morning and then again in the afternoon or early evening.
Many users have also noticed some improvement with digestion and absorption when taking their Pyritinol dosage with meals.
Pyritinol Side Effects:
There are some side effects which have become associated with use of this supplement. These include irritability, loss of appetite, rashes, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, itchy skin, and difficulty falling asleep. Some of these side effects have also been the result of allergies that are quite rare. In fact, all of these side effects are quite rare, and Pyritinol is thought to be very safe and generally well-tolerated.
The main thing to be concerned about is that it has also shown to lead to tolerance when used on a consistent basis, over time. The best way to avoid this is by following a cycled schedule such as two weeks of use, followed by one week of non-use.
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- Knezevic S, Mubrin Z, Risberg J, Vucinic G, Spilich G, Gubarev N, Wannenmacher W. Pyritinol treatment of SDAT patients: evaluation by psychiatric and neurological examination, psychometric testing and rCBF measurements. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1989
- PavlÃk A, Pilar J. Protection of cell proteins against free-radical attack by nootropic drugs: scavenger effect of pyritinol confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Neuropharmacology. 1989
- Toledano A, Bentura ML. Pyritinol facilitates the recovery of cortical cholinergic deficits caused by nucleus basalis lesions. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect. 1994
- Macedo G, Sarmento JA, Allegro S. Acute hepatitis due to pyritinol. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1992
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Is Pyritinol available in South Africa?