Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Vitamin B6 Deficiency

By

Larry E. Johnson

, MD, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2022
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Vitamin B6 is in most foods, but people can have vitamin B6 deficiency if they do not absorb it properly.

  • Many foods contain vitamin B6, but extensive processing can remove the vitamin.

  • People may have seizures, a scaly rash, a red tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the hands and feet.

  • The diagnosis is based on symptoms, the presence of possible causes, and response to vitamin B6 supplements.

  • Vitamin B6 supplements, taken by mouth, can correct the deficiency.

Good sources of vitamin B6 include dried yeast, liver, other organ meats, whole-grain cereals, fish, and legumes.

Causes of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Because vitamin B6 is present in many foods, the deficiency rarely results from inadequate intake except in severe malnutrition. However, deficiency can also occur, because extensive processing can remove vitamin B6 from foods.

Vitamin B6 deficiency often results from

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 or irritable. They may have seizures.

Rarely, vitamin B6 deficiency causes seizures in infants. Antiseizure drugs may be ineffective in treating these seizures in infants.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

  • History and physical examination

  • Response to vitamin B6 supplements

The diagnosis of vitamin B6 deficiency is based on symptoms, the presence of conditions that can cause the deficiency, and response to vitamin B6 supplements.

Blood tests may be done, but no blood test can clearly confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

  • Correction of the cause

  • Vitamin B6 supplements

Causes of vitamin B6 deficiency are corrected when possible.

If people have the deficiency or if they are taking a drug that depletes vitamin B6 in the body, they should take vitamin B6 supplements by mouth. Taking vitamin B6 supplements usually corrects the deficiency in adults.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
B-Natal, Neuro-K-500
Nydrazid
No brand name available
Cuprimine, Depen, D-PENAMINE
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP