When your body lacks vitamin B6: what you need to know
Vitamin B6 is an essential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in our health. But what happens when our body doesn’t get enough of it?
Read on to learn more about the effects of a vitamin B6 deficiency and the strategies for treatment and prevention.
Table of Contents
- What is vitamin B6?
- What is the function of vitamin B6 in our body?
- What is a vitamin B6 deficiency?
- What causes a vitamin B6 deficiency?
- What are the symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency?
- How is a vitamin B6 deficiency diagnosed?
- How is a vitamin B6 deficiency treated?
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is one of the eight B vitamins and belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. The category of water-soluble vitamins also includes vitamin C and the other B vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid or folate), and vitamin B12.
Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which can be stored in our bodies and released over time, water-soluble vitamins are not stored in large amounts. Any unused amounts are excreted from the body, meaning that a continuous intake is necessary.
As an essential micronutrient, our bodies cannot produce vitamin B6 on their own, so it must be obtained through food or supplements. It is found in a wide variety of foods, including meats like chicken and turkey, fish, whole grains such as oats and brown rice, chickpeas, bananas, potatoes, and dairy products (NIH, 2023).
What is the function of vitamin B6 in our body?
Some of the key functions of vitamin B6 in our body include:
- Protein metabolism: Vitamin B6 helps in the breakdown and synthesis of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This process is essential for the growth and repair of cells in our body.
- Glucose metabolism: Our body uses sugar (glucose) as its main energy source. Vitamin B6 is essential for converting stored sugar into usable energy.
- Cognitive development: Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in the production of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. This supports memory and mental performance.
- Immune system function: Our immune system uses vitamin B6 to produce antibodies. These antibodies are proteins made by the body to protect us from pathogens.
- Hemoglobin production: Vitamin B6 helps in the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to cells throughout the body. Without sufficient levels of vitamin B6, oxygen transport may be impaired, or anemia may occur.
Source: Linus Pauling Institute, 2023
What is a vitamin B6 deficiency?
A vitamin B6 deficiency refers to a condition in which the body does not have enough vitamin B6 to perform its normal functions. Normally, adults should consume between 1.3 and 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B6 per day.
A deficiency can occur if this intake is not met over a prolonged period, or if the body is unable to effectively use the vitamin.
In general, a vitamin B6 deficiency does not usually occur in isolation but often in combination with insufficient intake of other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate. The more severe the vitamin B6 deficiency becomes, the more pronounced and noticeable the effects in the body will be (NIH, 2023).
What causes a vitamin B6 deficiency?
A vitamin B6 deficiency can occur for various reasons, including:
- An unbalanced diet: A diet low in vitamin B6-rich foods can lead to a deficiency.
- Autoimmune diseases: In people with autoimmune conditions, the body may have difficulty absorbing and using vitamin B6 efficiently due to chronic inflammation. These include, for example, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and other intestinal disorders.
- Genetic disorders: Some rare genetic disorders can impair the processing of vitamin B6 in the body. These disorders often cause severe symptoms in childhood, which can be improved through vitamin B6 treatment.
- Alcohol abuse: Chronic alcohol abuse can impair the body's ability to absorb and store vitamin B6, leading to a deficiency.
- Use of certain medications: Some medications, including certain antibiotics and drugs used to treat tuberculosis, can interact with vitamin B6 and interfere with its absorption or use in the body.
Source: Mayo Clinic, 2021; Harvard Health, 2023
What are the symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency?
A vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Skin inflammation (dermatitis)
- Cracks and sores on the lips and at the corners of the mouth
- Swollen tongue
- Confusion
- Depression and mood swings
- Weakened immune system, leading to frequent infections
- Fatigue and lethargy
- In children, a deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to growth problems
It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to a vitamin B6 deficiency and may also occur with other health issues. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect a vitamin B6 deficiency, you should consult a doctor (McCulloch, 2023).
Can vitamin B6 help in the treatment of certain diseases?
Vitamin B6 is involved in regulating homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is a type of amino acid that, in high concentrations, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. By supporting the breakdown of homocysteine, vitamin B6 can help promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Linus Pauling Institute, 2023).
How is a vitamin B6 deficiency diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a vitamin B6 deficiency can be made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and blood tests.
- Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, diet, and possible risk factors for a vitamin B6 deficiency. A physical exam may also reveal signs of deficiency.
- Blood tests: A blood test can determine the amount of vitamin B6 in your blood. This test can also be used to rule out deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a vitamin B6 deficiency. A blood test may also be used to detect autoimmune diseases or other underlying causes.
Source: NIH, 2023
Want to check in on your health yourself?
Homed-IQ’s vitamin deficiency test measures the levels of vitamin B12 and folate, which often occur together with a vitamin B6 deficiency. With this test, you can conveniently gain valuable insights into your health from home and share the results with your doctor if needed.
How is a vitamin B6 deficiency treated?
The treatment of a vitamin B6 deficiency focuses on restoring adequate levels of vitamin B6 in the body and addressing any underlying causes of the deficiency. The following measures may be considered:
- Dietary changes: Increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin B6 is usually the first step in correcting a deficiency. Nutritional counseling can also help maximize vitamin B6 intake through food and improve long-term eating habits.
- Use of supplements: In more severe cases or for individuals who cannot effectively absorb vitamin B6 from food, vitamin B6 supplements may be recommended. These should always be taken only in consultation with your doctor.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: If the deficiency is due to a disease or condition that impairs the absorption or use of vitamin B6, the underlying cause must be treated. This may involve adjusting medications that affect vitamin B6 levels or treating intestinal disorders.
Source: Mayo Clinic, 2021
