Not getting enough vitamin B6 can affect many parts of your health, causing different signs and problems. On the other hand, each type of vitamin B6 deficiency has its own set of signs. This piece goes into detail about vitamin B6 deficiency’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, giving you a full picture of this important nutrient and how it affects your health as a whole.
What is Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
Vitamin B6, which is also called pyridoxine, is an important water-soluble nutrient that helps the body do many important things. It affects the breakdown of amino acids, the creation of neurotransmitters, and the creation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B6 deficiency, which is also called pyridoxine shortage, is when the body doesn’t have enough vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that the body doesn’t keep it and needs to get it from food.
Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Here are some common and less common signs of not getting enough vitamin B6: skin problems, nerve problems, and stomach problems.
Common vitamin b6 deficiency symptoms include:
- Neurological Symptoms
Vitamin B6 deficiency often first presents with neurological symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy is a common consequence, resulting in tingling or numbness in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet.
- Dermatological Symptoms
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This skin condition can cause red, itchy, and scaly rashes on the face, ears, and other body areas.
- Cheilosis: Cracks and sores may develop at the corners of the mouth, a condition known as cheilosis.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue, known as glossitis, can result from a deficiency in vitamin B6. This can lead to a sore, red, and swollen tongue.
- Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth and ulcers in the oral mucosa, referred to as stomatitis, can cause pain and discomfort when eating or speaking.
- Hematological Symptoms
- Anaemia: Vitamin B6 is necessary for producing haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to a type of anaemia known as sideroblastic anaemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness.
- Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms
- Confusion and Cognitive Impairment: Vitamin B6 synthesizes neurotransmitters, which play a critical role in cognitive function. Deficiency can result in disorder and cognitive impairment.
- Irritability and Anxiety: Mood changes, irritability, and anxiety may be observed in individuals with a vitamin B6 deficiency.
- Weak Immune System: A lack of vitamin B6 can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Cardiovascular Symptoms: Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may occur with a deficiency of vitamin B6. These elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Seizures: In severe cases of deficiency, seizures may occur, particularly in infants with inborn errors of metabolism affecting vitamin B6 utilization.
Signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency include
- Skin problems : A scaly rash around the mouth, nose, and eyes is a common sign of vitamin B6 deficiency. Other skin problems that may occur include cracks in the corners of the mouth (cheilosis), inflammation of the lips (cheilitis), and a red, greasy rash on the scalp, face, neck, and upper chest.
- Inflammation of the tongue : A swollen, sore, and red tongue, a condition called glossitis, is a common sign of vitamin B6 deficiency.
- Mouth Ulcers: Inflammation of the mouth and the development of ulcers in the oral mucosa, known as stomatitis, can cause discomfort and pain when eating or speaking.
How is Pyridoxine Deficiency Diagnosed?
A person’s medical history, physical check, and blood tests can all help doctors figure out if they have pyridoxine deficiency. The doctor will want to know about the person’s health, medications, and food.
If they think you might not be getting enough vitamin B6, they can also check your body for symptoms like a scaly rash around your mouth, nose, and eyes, stiffness and tingling in your hands and feet, and weak muscles.
What Should You Eat to Overcome Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
To overcome vitamin B6 deficiency, you should eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods rich in vitamin B6. These include:
- Bananas, avocados, potatoes, leafy green vegetables, and citrus fruits
- Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats
- Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, beans, and lentils
- Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are all excellent sources of vitamin B6.
- Dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese, are also good sources of vitamin B6.
How Long Does It Take to Overcome Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
Keep in mind that getting better from vitamin B6 deficient diseases can take a while. Because of this, it is very important to be patient and follow through with your vitamin B6 shortage treatment plan.
A vitamin B6 shortage can usually be fixed in a few weeks to a few months. But people who are severely lacking in vitamin B6 or who already have a health problem may need to take a vitamin B6 supplement for a longer time. Some ways to get enough vitamin B6 are listed below:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamin b6 foods.
- Take a vitamin B6 supplement if recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
- Get regular exercise.
- Manage any underlying medical conditions contributing to your vitamin B6 deficiency.
Conclusion
If you think you might not be getting enough vitamin B6, you should see a doctor right away to get an evaluation and treatment. A amount of vitamin B6 supplement is part of the treatment for vitamin B6 deficiency. In some cases, though, the cause of the shortage will also need to be taken care of. So, use Metropolis’s at-home collection service to get tested for deficiency and find out your real health state right now.