What Disease is Caused by Vitamin B6 Deficiency?

Signs of Vitamin B6 Deficiency Diseases You Should Know

Vitamin B6 is crucial for bodily functions, immune system health, brain development, and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can impact the nervous system, cause skin problems and anaemia, and affect energy levels. Immediate supplements and dietary adjustments can reduce complications of vitamin B6 deficiency.   

Let us recognise the reasons and symptoms and address what diseases are usually caused when our body does not get enough vitamin B6.   

What Causes Vitamin B6 Deficiency? 

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is present in almost every food, including fish, meats, nuts, grains, beans, vegetables and fruits. In this scenario, dietary vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in individuals with a balanced diet but can occur in people with poor nutrition, alcoholism, or increased physiological needs. Other factors that cause deficiency in vitamin B6 include: 

• Intake of foods that lack a sufficient amount of vitamin B6. 
• Having certain health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and autoimmune diseases. 
• Malabsorption disorders, such as Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, interfere with nutrient absorption.    
• Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the body's capability to absorb vitamin B6. 
    

Apart from these, breastfeeding and pregnant women are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B6 due to increased vitamin demand, morning sickness or inadequate diet.    
  

What Disease is Caused by Vitamin B6 Deficiency? 

Vitamin B6 deficiency among adults can cause several chronic diseases, including: 

• Sideroblastic anaemia occurs due to inefficient iron accumulation     
• Neurological conditions such as confusion, seizures, peripheral neuropathy and depression 
• Skin lesions that cause scaly, red and itchy rashes 
• A weakened immune system increases the risk of infection 
• Oral stomatitis, cheilosis and glossitis 
    

Vitamin B6 deficiency, or an inborn error in vitamin B6 in infants and neonates, can cause pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is a rare inherited metabolic disorder, not caused by dietary vitamin B6 deficiency. 

What are the Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency? 

A moderate deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to typical symptoms, such as: 

• Mental status changes 
• Stomatitis 
• Cheilosis 
• Fatigue and extreme weakness 
• Swelling tongue 
• Frequent illnesses due to an inability to fight infections 
    

How Long Does it Take to Correct a Vitamin B6 Deficiency? 

Deficiency in vitamin B6 is not a life-threatening condition, but consistency and patience are essential for effective management during treatment. In several cases, vitamin B6 deficiency needs a few weeks to a few months to overcome. People with this deficiency may need to eat a balanced diet and take vitamin B6 supplements for an extended period.    

What Food is Highest in Vitamin B6? 

Adult vitamin B6 requirements vary by age and sex; for most adults, recommended daily intake is approximately 1.3–1.7 mg/day, with higher requirements in older adults, pregnant women, and lactating women. Meats, fish, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products may contain the highest amount of vitamin B6. To overcome the complications of vitamin B6 deficiency, you may eat a variety of vitamin B6-rich foods that include: 

• Avocados 
• Bananas 
• Leafy green veggies 
• Citrus fruits 
• Potatoes 
• Whole grains, for example, brown rice 
• Oats 
• Quinoas 
• Chicken 
• Fish 
• Lentils 
• Soya beans 
• Peanuts 
• Walnuts 
• Almonds 
• Sunflower seeds 
• Yoghurt 
• Milk 
• Cheese     
    

How to Control Vitamin B6 Deficiency? 

Vitamin B6 deficiency is usually treated with low to moderate doses of pyridoxine, prescribed and monitored by a doctor. High-dose supplementation should not be taken long-term without medical supervision due to the risk of nerve toxicity. Proper medication and healthy habits can manage stress and depression and activate vitamin B6 to improve overall mental well-being. 

Dietary Changes 

Eat foods which are rich in vitamin B6 as the primary source of treating deficiency. Dairy products, fruits, poultry, fortified breakfast cereals, and fish in a regular diet plan help boost blood levels and support improved bodily functions, including the nervous system.    

Healthy Lifestyle 

In addition to dietary changes, individuals need to lead a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption. Moreover, managing stress and getting sufficient sleep may help reduce the symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency.    

Treating Underlying Health Conditions 

Address and treat underlying health issues, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney dysfunction, etc, to improve vitamin B6 absorption. Doctors may prefer medication adjustments and disease management for improving health. 

Increase Magnesium Intake 

Magnesium plays an important role in the metabolism and activation of vitamin B6. Therefore, increasing magnesium-rich foods, such as cashews, almonds, legumes, green leafy vegetables and fruit intake regularly plays an supportive role to improve vitamin B6 levels.  
   

Vitamin B6 deficiency causes serious health diseases, such as skin lesions and microcytic, sideroblastic, or normocytic anaemia in adults. Besides that, it leads to neurological diseases, peripheral neuropathy, glossitis, dermatitis and cheilosis. Rarely, vitamin B6 deficiency causes seizures and pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy in infants. Make sure to treat this deficiency with utmost care to lead a healthy life. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vitamin requirements, symptoms, and treatment may vary based on individual health conditions, age, pregnancy status, and underlying medical disorders. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any vitamin supplements, making significant dietary changes, or if you suspect a vitamin deficiency or related health condition. 

Also Read:

→ Treatment for High Vitamin B12

→ What Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Glossitis

→ 7 Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C for Better Immunity

→ Which Vegetables Have Vitamin C