Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Vitamin b6 is known as Pyridoxine in scientific terms. Vitamin b1 (Thiamine), , vitamin b3 (Niacin), vitamin b5 (Pantothenic acid), , vitamin b2 (Riboflavin), vitamin b12, vitamin b6 (Pyridoxine) and Folic acid all come under the category of vitamin B-Complex group. Vitamin b12 does not have a scientific name. Vitamin b12 is a water-soluble vitamin and hence, cannot be stored inside the body. It has to be replenished on a regular basis as excess Pyridoxine is excreted through urine. All the vitamins under B-complex group work together efficiently in certain combinations e.g vitamin b6 along with vitamin b12 and folic acid prevent occurrence of heart disease. Initially, the vitamins were discovered separately and later grouped together to form vitamin B-complex group.

Vitamin b6 is associated with the metabolism of amino acids. Proteins get stored in the body in the form of amino acid molecules. Proteins, which are complex molecules, are broken down into simple molecules which are known as amino acid molecules. These, simple molecules are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is an active metabolic sub-part of vitamin b6 and is required in cellular processes like transamination (early step of degradation of amino acid into more simple molecules of α- keto acid), deamination (oxidation or removal of amine group from molecule) and decarboxylation( it is removal of carbon atom from carbon chain or in scientific terms it is chemical reaction that releases carbon-di-oxide). It is also used in production of glucose from glycogen. Carbohydrates release energy in the form of glucose that gives instant energy.

Vitamin b6 enhances immune system by cell multiplication and antibody production. It is useful in cardiovascular processes like in manufacture of fat derived substance called as prostaglandins, which regulate the check of blood pressure and function of heart. It maintains the health of hair and skin and stimulates the production of sex hormones.

Effects of vitamin b6 deficiency:

• Pyroluria: Deficiency of vitamin b6 causes pyroluria. In this condition, the person faces mental problems, anxiety, depression and withdrawal from social life. It may also carry symptoms of schizophrenia.

• Depression: Vitamin b6 plays a vital role in production of serotonin and norepinephrine hormones which are stress-buster hormones. They influence good mood. Since, deficiency of vitamin b6 will result in lack of production of these hormones, it will affect mood.

• Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: Vitamin b6 helps in combating morning sickness. During pregnancy, many women are prone to morning sickness. Hence, good and healthy diet can prevent the feeling of nausea.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Though not a proper research is conducted on this topic, scientists believe that PMS can be avoided by consumption of vitamin b6 rich foods.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disorder. A research reveals that lack of intake of vitamin b6 in the diet contributes to the growth of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Symptoms of vitamin b6 deficiency:

• Slow response to stimuli: Vitamin b6 helps in the production of neurotransmitters which carry signal from one nerve cell to another nerve cell. Hence, deficiency of vitamin b6 results in slow reaction towards the outer surroundings.
• Reduced sex drive: Lack of vitamin b6 will result in lack of production of sex hormones, ultimately resulting in low sex drive.
• Cracking of lips and tongue
• White patches around the mouth
• Cardiovascular defects: Since, vitamin b6 plays indispensable part in regulating blood pressure and other functions of the heart, it is but obvious that vitamin b6 deficiency will result in cardiovascular problems.
• Insomnia
• Problem in glucose production: PLP, an active metabolic part of vitamin b6 is useful in production of glucose from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, which are complex molecules, are broken down into simple molecules of glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the liver. So, when this glycogen is needed, it is converted into glucose to give instant energy as it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Water retention
• Paranoia
• Stunted growth in infants
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Cracked skin
• Dry skin and hair-fall

Normally, vitamin b6 deficiency does not occur because it is found in most of the foodstuffs. Alcohol, drugs, smoking, starvation, genetic disorders and diarrhea are the factors that may hinder the absorption of vitamin b6.

Sources of vitamin b6:

Plant sources: green leafy vegetables, baked potatoes along with its skin, bell peppers, green peas, asparagus, green turnip, whole wheat bread, wheat bran, nuts and seeds and beans and legumes.

Animal sources: Diary items like milk, cheese and yogurt, meat, fish, cod liver oil, yeast and liver.

People consuming healthy diet need not worry about vitamin b6 deficiency. So, reduce the consumption of alcohol, inculcate proper and hygienic eating habits and live a healthy life.

Take care!

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