What Does It Mean?
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency refers to low levels of this essential water-soluble vitamin, which is crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis, amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin production, and immune function. A deficiency can result in neurological disturbances, anemia, and increased inflammatory markers.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Poor Dietary Intake – Inadequate consumption of B6-rich foods such as poultry, bananas, and fortified cereals.
- Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and SIBO reduce B6 absorption.
- Chronic Alcohol Consumption – Alcohol impairs B6 metabolism and increases its excretion.
- Kidney Disease & Dialysis – Increased loss of B6 through urine.
- Excessive Inflammatory Processes – Chronic inflammation can increase the demand for B6.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Fatigue and irritability
- Depression and mood disturbances
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning sensations)
- Microcytic anemia (low hemoglobin levels)
- Impaired immune function and frequent infections
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Hemoglobin (Female) | Decreased | 13.50-14.50 g/dL |
| Homocysteine | Increased | 5.00-7.20 µmol/L |
| Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) | Decreased | 28.00-31.90 pg |
| Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) | Decreased | 32.00-35.00 g/dL |
| Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) | Decreased or Normal | 82.00-89.00 fL |
| Vitamin B 6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), Serum | Decreased | 8.00-21.70 ng/mL |
| ALT | Increased | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| AST | Increased | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Increased or Normal | 10.00-30.00 U/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Addressing Vitamin B6 deficiency requires dietary improvements, gut health support, and targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita B Methyl | Provides eight essential B vitamins in their active forms | 1 capsule without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Vitamin B6-Rich Foods: Poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes, and fortified cereals.
- Gut Health Support: Optimize absorption by addressing gut inflammation and dysbiosis.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake: Minimize alcohol consumption to enhance B6 retention.
- Monitor Kidney Function: Patients with renal disease should be monitored for adequate B6 levels.