Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Vitamin B6 is part of the Vitamin B family; a deficiency of this vitamin is commonly linked to depression. This is because on depressed patients, studies have shown that levels of B6 are low. The cause of a vitamin B6 is commonly a problem with its absorption due to the body’s interaction with some types of medications, drugs and diseases.
The presence of Vitamin B6 is very important for the correct functioning of the brain. This vitamin is found as pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, and our primary source are plants and animal food.
Luckily, this type of vitamin deficiency is rare. Here are some foods that contain vitamin B6:
- Walnuts
- Wheat germ
- Yeast
- Sunflower Seeds
- Soya Beans
If we want to squeeze the most amount of B6 from one of these sources, we must eat them raw.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms
When there is aB6 deficiency, symptoms like this may appear: atrophic glossitis with ulceration, an eruption like seborrheic dermatitis, intertrigo, conjunctivitis, neuropathy, somnolence and confusion.
A B6 deficiency alone is extremely rare, and is most often present with a combination of deficiencies of other member of the vitamin B Complex family.
Who Are At More Risk of Developing Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
It has been determined that elderly people and alcoholics are more prone of developing a deficiency of Vitamin B6, among other types of nutritional deficiencies. Other people with risk are patients undergoing dialysis, and those who are under medications like anticonvulsants and corticosteroids.
Vitamin B6 Toxicity
When someone takes too much B6, he/she will develop toxicity. Vitamin B6 toxicity causes a temporary deadening of certain nerves, which in turn causes a feeling of disembodiment. After the supplementation is stopped however, this condition goes away and patients return to normal.