Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Overview

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy.

Food sources of vitamin B-6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas and fortified cereals. Vitamin B-6 can also be taken as a supplement, typically as an oral capsule, tablet or liquid.

People who have kidney disease or conditions that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from foods (malabsorption syndromes) are more likely to be vitamin B-6 deficient. Certain autoimmune disorders, some epilepsy medications and alcohol dependence also can lead to vitamin B-6 deficiency. This can cause a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues (anemia), confusion, depression and a weakened immune system.

A vitamin B-6 deficiency is usually coupled with deficiency in other B vitamins, such as folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-12.

What Is Vitamin B6 Deficiency?

Vitamin B6 deficiency usually occurs along with a low level of other B vitamins such as vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin B9 (folic acid). It can cause biochemical changes, becoming more apparent with gradual increase in deficiency level.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is one of the central molecules in cells of a living organism. It is also associated with more than 150 enzymatic reactions as a coenzyme, thus playing a crucial role in the functioning of cells.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency?

In adults, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) and a red, greasy, scaly rash. The hands and feet may feel numb and prickling—like pins and needles. The tongue may become sore and red, and cracks may form in the corners of the mouth. People may become confused, irritable, and depressed.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is more common in people with liver, kidney, digestive or autoimmune diseases, as well as smokers, obese people, alcoholics and pregnant women.

In your body, B6 is involved in more than 150 enzyme reactions. These help your body process the protein, carbs and fat you eat. B6 is also closely linked with the functions of your nervous and immune systems.

Here are 9 signs and symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency.

• Skin Rashes. Share on Pinterest.
• Cracked and Sore Lips. 
• Sore, Glossy Tongue. 
• Mood Changes. 
• Weakened Immune Function. 
• Tiredness and Low Energy. 
• Tingling and Pain in Hands and Feet. 
• Seizures.

Treatment of Vitamin B6 Deficiency 

Usually, pyridoxine 50 to 100 mg orally once a day corrects the deficiency in adults. Most people taking isoniazid should also be given pyridoxine 30 to 50 mg orally once a day.

Causes of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

• Vitamin B6 deficiency can occur due to several reasons. Some of them are –
• Malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
• Individuals who have genetic diseases, such as homocystinuria, can cause insufficiency of vitamin B6.
• Certain medications, such as antiepileptic drugs.
• Intake of vitamin B6 inactivating drugs such as antiseizure, isoniazid, hydralazine, and corticosteroids.
• Alcoholism.
• Hyperthyroidism. 
• Now that you are aware of what causes low vitamin B6, it is time to learn about its long-term effects.

Effects of Long-term Vitamin B6 Deficiency

If individuals have a low level of vitamin B6 for a long period, it can lead to vitamin B6 deficiency diseases, such as –

• Cognitive decline and dementia.
• Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Anaemia.
• Various types of cancer.
• Eye diseases.
• Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cardiovascular diseases.   

It is clear from the above discussion that a long-term deficiency of vitamin B6 causes which disease. Therefore, individuals must learn about prevention methods to overcome the health issues related to it.

What Should You Eat to Overcome Vitamin B6 Deficiency?

Individuals can easily prevent Vitamin B6 deficiency by consuming vitamin B6 rich foods, vegetables, fruits. Here is a list detailing these food items –

• Protein-rich foods such as poultry, fish, organ meats, beef and turkey seafood, nuts and seeds; beans, peas, lentils, and soy products.
• Potatoes and other starchy vegetables.
• Fat-free and low-fat milk, oils, yoghurt, and cheese.
• Fruits, except for citrus fruits.

You can always consult a dietician to get a proper diet chart comprising these food items in appropriate proportions.

Vitamin b6 deficiency anemia

If your body is very low on B6, you can get anemia, which is too few red blood cells. That would make you feel tired and weak. Anemia can also come from not having enough iron in your body. Shortages of other vitamins, like B12 and folate, also may cause it.

Vitamin B6 is found in a variety of animal and plant foods.

• Beef liver.
• Tuna.
• Salmon.
• Fortified cereals.
• Chickpeas.
• Poultry.

Some vegetables and fruits, especially dark leafy greens, bananas, papayas, oranges, and cantaloupe.

What vegetables are highest in B6?

Top Vegetables Rich in Vitamin B6

• Pasilla peppers (4.2 mg, 249% DV) (Dried)
• Ancho peppers (3.5%, 208% DV) (Dried)
• Peppers, sweet, red, freeze (2.2 mg, 131% DV) (Dried)
• Chives (2 mg, 117% DV) (Dried)
• Shallots, freeze (1.7 mg, 99% DV) (Dried)
• Onions dehydrated flakes (1.6 mg, 94% DV)

Is vitamin B6 deficiency serious?

Serious B6 deficiencies happen rarely. But some seniors may run low if they don't eat enough food or because their bodies don't absorb nutrients as well as before. Kidney disease and other conditions that keep your small intestine from taking in nutrients also can be culprits. So can alcohol abuse.