Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine Deficiency
Symptoms
Acne, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, irritability, loss of appetite, mouth lesions.
Overview
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin which helps brain function, the body convert protein to energy and helps the immune system produce antibodies.
Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.
High levels of vitamin B6 can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause mouth and tongue sores, irritability, confusion, and depression.
Good sources of Vitamin B6 include nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.
Alcoholics are thought to be most at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency due to low dietary intakes and impaired metabolism of the vitamin. Beside alcohol abuse, genetic disorders, liver disease, renal dialysis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deficiency; malabsorption can occur by HIV.
Deficiency in Vitamin B6 may lead to:
- Sideroblastic anaemia
- Chronic fatigue / lethargy
- Dry, scaling skin
- Conjunctivitis / Pink eye
- Neuropathy and/or confusion
Vitamin B6 deficiency may be more prevalent in people who are:
- Alcoholics
- Suffering from kidney or heart failure
- Suffering from hyperthyroidism
- Living with digestive disorders