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.
What are the symptoms of low vitamin B6?
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.
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.
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 ).
How do you fix B6 deficiency?
Treatment of Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Dependency 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.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 and B6 deficiency?What happens when you are low on B6?
