Vitamin B6 - Higher Risk Symptoms Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods but is also added to foods and supplements. Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) is the active coenzyme form and the most common measure of B6 blood levels in the body. PLP is a coenzyme that helps more than 100 enzymes perform a variety of functions, including breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, maintaining normal homocysteine levels (since high levels can cause heart problems), and supporting immune function and brain health.

Why B6 is important for our body?

The role of vitamin B6 in disease prevention has been extensively studied. The vitamin in supplement form shows the most promise for treating pregnancy-related nausea, but such use should be done only under medical supervision. Adequate blood levels of B6 may be associated with a lower risk of cancer compared with low blood levels. However, taking separate B6 supplements (apart from the RDA amounts in typical multivitamin supplements) is inconclusive and not recommended.

Source of Food

Foods from both plants and animals both contain vitamin B6. 

1. Tuna
2. Beef Liver
3. Salmon
4. Enriched Grains
5. Chickpeas
6. Poultry
7. Several Fruits and Vegetables, Especially dark leafy Greens, Oranges, Cantaloupe, Bananas, and Papayas

Symptoms of Weakness and Toxic Effect

Deficiency of vitamin B6 usually occurs when other B vitamins in the body are too low, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid. A mild deficiency may be without symptoms, but a severe or long-lasting deficiency may have the following symptoms:

1. Microcytic anemia
2. Skin conditions
3. Depression
4. Confusion
5. Lowered immunity

Certain diseases can increase the risk of developing a deficiency because they affect the absorption of vitamin B6:

1. Kidney Infection
2. Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, and other Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Disorders
3. Alcoholism Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis

Toxic Effect

It is quite unlikely that toxic levels of vitamin B6 are achieved through diet alone. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, so unused amounts leave the body through the urine. However, toxic levels can occur with long-term, very high-dose supplementation of more than 1,000 mg daily. Symptoms usually subside after the high dose is discontinued. Symptoms include:

1. Foot and hand neuropathy
2. Ataxia (lack of control of body motions) (loss of control of body movements)
3. Nausea