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Vitamin B6, also known as “pyridoxine”, is a water-soluble vitamin that has a crucial role in metabolism and brain development. Additionally, it enhances the immune system and ensures proper nerve function.
Due to its significant impact on the body, a deficiency in vitamin B6 can have notable consequences. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency
◉ Introduction
Currently, clinically noticeable vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon, at least among the general population. However, some individuals, especially the elderly, may have a subtle and undiagnosed deficiency.
Vitamin B6, in its coenzymatic forms, performs a broad spectrum of functions within the body, demonstrating exceptional versatility by participating in more than 100 enzymatic reactions, mainly related to protein metabolism.
The reference range for pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), the biologically active form of vitamin B6, is 5-50 µg/L. A value below 3.4 µg/L is generally considered deficient.
◉ Why is Vitamin B6 so important?
Vitamin B6 plays vital roles in the body:
- Metabolism: Involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Blood Cell Formation: Contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
- Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Synthesizes neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), contributing to mood regulation.
- Brain Function Enhancement: Enhances brain function, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in the prevention of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.
- Hormone: Plays a role in the regulation of hormones, including those involved in mood, stress, and sleep (serotonin and norepinephrine).
- Detoxification: Participates in the detoxification processes in the liver, helping the body eliminate harmful substances
◉ Causes and Groups at Risk
There are certain populations that are more prone to vitamin B6 deficiency than others:
- Individuals aged 51 years and older.
- Children under the age of 6.
- People with impaired renal function.
- People suffer from malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
- Individuals suffer from autoimmune disorders.
- Individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
- Use of certain drugs, including antiseizure drugs, isoniazid antibiotics, hydralazine which is used to treat high blood pressure, corticosteroids, and penicillamine.
- Hemodialysis.
- Obesity
◉ Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms. Here are some of them:
1- Skin Rashes
- Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in collagen formation, essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- Deficiency may lead to a red, itchy, oily, and flaky rash known as “seborrheic dermatitis” on the scalp, face, neck, and upper chest.
2- Cheilosis (Cracked Sore Lips)
- Characterized by sore, red, and swollen lips with cracked mouth corners.
- Cracks are painful, may bleed, and are highly susceptible to infections.
3- Weak Immune System
- Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a lack of antibodies, white blood cells, T cells, and interleukin-2.
- Negatively impacts the immune system, making it more susceptible to microbial invasions.
4- Mood Swings
- Vitamin B6 is involved in the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA.
- Deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and increased pain sensation.
5- Anemia.
In Vitamin B6 deficiency, heme synthesis is lowered, which limits hemoglobin synthesis and leads to ineffective erythropoiesis with hypochromic, microcytic anemias.
6- Numb Hands or Feet (Neurological symptoms).
7- Morning Sickness.
8- Foggy Brain.
9- Tiredness and Low Energy.
10- pyridoxine-dependent seizures
Infants with a rare inborn error in pyridoxine metabolism may have severe, refractory seizures, alleviated by administering pyridoxine
◉ Vitamin B6 Deficiency Diagnosis
Vitamin B6 deficiency diagnosis relies on assessing symptoms, clinical evaluation, physical examination, and the individual's response to Vitamin B6 supplements.
Physical Examination
The physical examination is the initial method used to diagnose the deficiency of Vitamin B6. Healthcare professionals may inquire about the patient's medical history, medication history, as well as their eating habits and diet.
Symptoms Evaluation
Clinicians often search for key signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency, which may include dermatological findings (such as skin rashes, cracked sore lips, and glossitis), altered mental status, and peripheral neuropathy (numb hands or feet).
Blood Tests
While there is no specific blood test to definitively confirm Vitamin B6 deficiency, a blood test can be conducted to assess the level of Vitamin B6 in the plasma. The results can then be compared to the normal range for Vitamin B6.
Response to Supplements
The diagnosis of Vitamin B6 deficiency also depends on the patient's response to Vitamin B6 supplements. Improvement in symptoms with supplementation can confirm the diagnosis.
◉ Treatment
Vitamin B6 is available in both oral and injectable forms, and the dose to be administered varies based on the cause, the patient's age and the severity of symptoms.
The treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency typically involves addressing the root cause and providing vitamin B6 supplementation. Here are more details on each step:
Correction of the Underlying Cause
- Identify and address factors leading to vitamin B6 deficiency, such as poor dietary intake, certain medications (like isoniazid, penicillamine, hydralazine, L-Dopa, and cycloserine), medical conditions affecting absorption, or increased metabolic demands.
- Modify diet to include B6-rich foods, such as poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes, and fortified cereals.
- Adjust or discontinue medications contributing to the deficiency if possible.
- Treat any underlying medical conditions affecting B6 absorption or utilization.
Vitamin B6 Supplementation
- Administer oral vitamin B6 supplements, usually in the form of pyridoxine.
- Vitamin B6 is available in both oral and injectable forms.
- The treatment for vitamin B6 deficiency typically involves high oral doses, around 50 mg/day.
- Higher doses may be required in cases where deficiency is related to medication use or certain medical conditions.
- Treatment duration depends on the resolution of symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.
- Regular monitoring of vitamin B6 levels may be necessary to adjust the supplementation as needed.
◉ Prevention
To increase your Vitamin B6 intake, you can make the following dietary modifications:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains (especially whole grains), along with fat-free and low-fat dairy products. As mentioned above fruits, vegetables, and whole grains serve as good sources of vitamin B6, and certain ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with this vitamin.
- Includes protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, and soy products. Fish, beef, and turkey are particularly rich in Vitamin B6.
- It's important to limit the consumption of foods and beverages high in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, as well as alcoholic beverages.
- Additionally, maintaining your daily calorie intake within recommended levels is essential for overall health.
- Taking vitamin b6 supplements is an effective method to elevate the vitamin levels in the blood. These supplements are accessible in diverse forms.
◉ Conclusion
In conclusion, recognizing and solving vitamin B6 deficiency through dietary adjustments and early interference is vital for overall well-being.