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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is one of eight B vitamins.
Skin Changes
Vitamin B6 deficiency can contribute to skin changes such as:
2.
Tiredness and Brain Fog
Vitamin B6 helps convert food into fuel for energy.
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Symptoms of severely low B6 may include:
5.
Weakened Immune System
Vitamin B6 helps the body make immune system cells and proteins.
Anemia
You need vitamin B6 to form the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Symptoms of anemia can include:
7.
Seizures
A severe vitamin B6 deficiency can disrupt electrical activity in the brain.
In some cases, this can cause epilepticseizures.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means excess B6 leaves the body in urine.
Because the body doesn’t store it, foods containing B6 should be part of your regular diet.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet with a variety of foods is recommended to prevent deficiency.
You’ll also find B6 in many multivitamins or B-complex vitamins.
Blood and urine testing can also help determine levels of B vitamins.
No special preparations are necessary.
These symptoms can also be due to other conditions.
Summary
Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include fatigue, swollen tongue, and skin changes.
A severe deficiency can lead to anemia or a weakened immune system.
The body doesn’t store vitamin B6.
Even so, B6 deficiency is uncommon.
it’s possible for you to get B6 from a variety of foods and dietary supplements.
See a healthcare provider if you think you havevitamin deficiencies.
In most cases, dietary changes or vitamin B6 supplements may be all you need.
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2023;136(1):e10-e11.
Penn Medicine.6 signs you have a weakened immune system.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Anemia: symptoms.
Merck Manual.Vitamin B6 deficiency and dependency.
2016;316(13):1392-401. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14337
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Chan School of Public Health.Vitamin B6.
