What health problems could indicate a vitamin B6 deficiency?

What health problems could indicate a vitamin B6 deficiency?

Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with microcytic anemia, electroencephalographic abnormalities, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth) and glossitis (swollen tongue), depression and confusion, and weakened immune function [1,2].

What causes deficiency of vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 deficiency is usually caused by pyridoxine-inactivating drugs (eg, isoniazid), protein-energy undernutrition, malabsorption, alcoholism, or excessive loss. Deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, seborrheic dermatitis, glossitis, and cheilosis, and, in adults, depression, confusion, and seizures.

Is B6 deficiency rare?

Isolated B6 deficiency is rare and usually found in association with other B vitamin deficiencies such as folic acid and B12. Low plasma levels of active B6 are found in chronic alcohol dependence, with obese states, protein-energy malnutrition.

Does B6 cause weight gain?

The bottom line is, B-vitamins will not cause unwanted weight gain and if you are dieting, you should always take a daily MVM to help preserve muscle.

How long does it take for vitamin B6 to take effect?

Studies that were well designed found no benefit. Until more research is done, talk with your doctor about whether taking B6 is right for you. Some people who believe B6 is effective for PMS say it may take up to 3 months to see a noticeable change.

What food is highest in vitamin B6?

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.

Can vitamin B6 cause anxiety?

4. Mood Changes. Shortfalls of B6 may affect your mood, sometimes contributing to depression, anxiety, irritability and increased feelings of pain ( 16 ). That’s because B6 is involved in the making of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Does B6 make you hungry?

Your intake of nutrients may also impact upon appetite and therefore food intake. For example, low levels of vitamin B6 are associated with a decrease in brain serotonin levels which could result in an increased appetite.

Who is at risk for vitamin B6 deficiency?

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 ( 2, 3, 4 ). In your body, B6 is involved in more than 150 enzyme reactions.

What are the signs of vitamin B6 deficiency?

A vitamin B6 deficiency can leave you feeling unusually tired and sluggish. A big reason is vitamin B6’s role in helping make hemoglobin. That’s the protein in your red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. If your cells don’t get enough oxygen as a result of too little hemoglobin, it’s called anemia.

What happens if you don’t take B6?

Summary A deficiency of B6, as well as folate and B12, may cause a high homocysteine level, which can damage blood vessels and nerves and increase the risk of disease. Your body isn’t able to store very much B6. To avoid deficiency, you need to consume it on a regular basis.

Can a B6 deficiency cause high homocysteine?

A B6 deficiency, as well as folate and B12, can result in an abnormally high blood level of homocysteine, as these B vitamins are needed to help process homocysteine ( 29 ). Increased homocysteine levels have been linked with several health issues, most notably heart disease and stroke, as well as Alzheimer’s disease.