Vitamin B6 : Study
Vitamin B6 poisoning is extremely rare, but cases have increased by about 40% in the last decade, according to reports from America’s Poison Centers.
- Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin.
- Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so the body cannot store them.
- It is found naturally in many foods, as well as added to foods and supplements.
- It is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy.
- It helps the body to:
- Make antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many viruses, infections, and other diseases.
- Maintain normal nerve function.
- Make hemoglobin: Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells to the tissues. A vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a form of anemia.
- Break down proteins: The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.
- Keep blood sugar (glucose) in normal ranges.
- Food sources of vitamin B-6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals.
- Vitamin B-6 can also be taken as a supplement, typically as an oral capsule, tablet, or liquid.
- People who have kidney disease or conditions that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from foods (malabsorption syndromes) are more likely to be vitamin B-6 deficient.
- Certain autoimmune disorders, some epilepsy medications and alcohol dependence also can lead to vitamin B-6 deficiency.
- This can cause a condition in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues.
- Deficiency of this vitamin can cause:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mouth and tongue sores, also known as glossitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Large doses of vitamin B6 can cause:
- Difficulty coordinating movement
- Numbness
- Sensory changes
