Do I Have Vitamin B6 Deficiency?

Do you have a red, itchy, scaly skin rash that appears on your face, scalp, neck or upper chest (seborrheic dermatitis)?

Do you have sore, red and swollen lips with cracked mouth corners?

Do you have swollen, sore, smooth, red tongue?

Do you have trouble eating, swallowing and talking due to a sore lips and tongue?

Do you feel unusually tired and weak with lack of energy?

Do you have a diagnosis of anemia?

Do you feel moody, irritable, anxious or depressed?

Do you feel confused or have difficulty concentrating?

Are you prone to infections more than usual?

Do you have tingling and pain in your arms, legs, hands and feet (“pins and needles” feeling)?

Do you feel unstable and have balance problems that make it difficult to walk?

Do you have seizures (uncontrollable shaking, muscle spasms, rolling eyes and jerky arms or legs)?

If you are a pregnant woman, do you feel sick with nausea or vomiting during the day (not just in the mornings)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of your metabolism, immune and nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also important for the health of your skin. The recommended daily amounts of vitamin B6 depend on your age. Healthy adults need between 1, 3 and 1, 7 milligrams a day, while pregnant women need about 1.9 milligrams daily. Good sources of vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, liver, legumes, potatoes and other starchy vegetables. Most Americans get enough vitamin B6 through their diet.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in your body. It is vital for the normal functioning of your nerves and your immune system. Since various foods contain vitamin B6, people usually have vitamin B6 deficiency due to a problem with the absorption of this vitamin. For this reason, vitamin B6 deficiency is common in people with liver, kidney, or digestive disorders, smokers and alcoholics. Treatment includes vitamin B6 supplementation. Most multivitamins have B6, but your doctor may recommend that you take it separately.

n Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is a part of the B complex group of vitamins and it is vital for the normal function of your nerves, immune system and metabolism. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Serious B6 deficiencies are rare, but if diagnosed in time, the deficiency may be successfully treated with oral or intravenous supplementation. Tell your doctor if you take any medications or other supplements. Taking too much B6 can damage your nerves and cause heartburn, or nausea. Adults should not take more than 100 milligrams of B6 per day.