Vitamin B6 deficiency is rarely seen because the body’s requirements are rather small compared to the amount a person can consume in a normal diet. Vitamin B6 is sometimes labeled as pyidoxal phosphate (PLP) or pyridoxine on some food and supplement labels and is found in large amounts in meat, dairy and whole grain products. Vitamin B6 is important for many different systems and functions in the body, but most notably it’s requirement for metabolism and proper nervous system function. Because of it’s varied functions throughout the body, a deficiency of vitamin B6 can have seemingly unrelated and far-ranging symptoms.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is rarely seen, even in people with poor and generally unhealthy diets. The most usual cause of a vitamin B6 deficiency is the inability of the individual to absorb the nutrient from the food that is consumed. Heavy alcohol use is a leading cause vitamin B6 deficiency. As people age, they generally become less able to absorb nutrients from food, so in some elderly individuals, this can reach a point where even healthy diets cannot overcome the individuals poor absorption ability. Finally, there are certain medications that interfere with Vitamin B6 absorption and function. These include some corticosteroids and certain antibiotics. These medications usually only cause problems if used for long durations.
The first noticeable signs of a Vitamin B6 deficiency usually involve poor quality of the mouth. Cracks at the corners of the mouth and sores on the tongue and gums are not uncommon as first symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency. There are also other early signs that are seen, but they are often very mild and attributed to something else. These include things such as fatigue and irritability. In some individuals, the first signs and symptoms of a Vitamin B6 deficiency can be obvious and dangerous. These include things like seizures and numbness in the hands and feet.
One of the important functions of Vitamin B6 includes the creation of hemoglobin as well as assisting with oxygen binding. Because of this function, another common side effect of a Vitamin B6 deficiency is a rare form of anemia. As with most types of anemia, the first signs of this development is fatigue. But because fatigue can be caused by many things, some as simple as inadequate sleep, this symptom is rarely enough to let the individual know that a nutrient deficiency is in progress.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is rarely seen individuals except those who consume large amounts of alcohol, the elderly, or those taking certain medications. The usual first signs of a Vitamin B6 deficiency are fatigue and irritability, but these are often not noticed by the individual. In many individuals, the first observed indication of the Vitamin B6 deficiency is a problem with the quality of the mouth, tongue and gums. Some individuals also experience seizures or other neurological problems very early in the deficiency, while others only observe those symptoms much later. Vitamin B6 deficiency is easily reversed with supplements or healthier food choices.
