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

These drugs include antiseizure drugs Antiseizure drugs In seizure disorders, the brain's electrical activity is periodically disturbed, resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction. Many people have unusual sensations just before a seizure... read more , the antibiotic isoniazid (used for tuberculosis), hydralazine (used to treat high blood pressure), corticosteroids Corticosteroids: Uses and Side Effects , and penicillamine (used to treat such disorders as rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis in which joints, usually including those of the hands and feet, are inflamed, resulting in swelling, pain, and often destruction of joints.... read more and Wilson disease Wilson Disease In Wilson disease, a rare hereditary disorder, the liver does not excrete excess copper into the bile as it normally does, resulting in accumulation of copper in the liver and liver damage.... read more ).

Vitamin B6 deficiency is common among people who have had a severe deficiency of protein and calories (protein-energy undernutrition Protein-Energy Undernutrition Undernutrition is a deficiency of calories or of one or more essential nutrients. Undernutrition may develop because people cannot obtain or prepare food, have a disorder that makes eating or... read more ). People with protein-energy undernutrition Protein-Energy Undernutrition Undernutrition is a deficiency of calories or of one or more essential nutrients. Undernutrition may develop because people cannot obtain or prepare food, have a disorder that makes eating or... read more do not consume enough 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 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.

Because vitamin B6 is needed to form red blood cells, deficiency can cause anemia Vitamin Deficiency Anemia Vitamin deficiency anemia results from low or depleted levels of vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid). People may be weak, short of breath, and pale. Nerves may malfunction. Blood tests can detect... read more .

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.

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.