Pyridoxine, also referred to as vitamin B6, is a water-soluble vitamin that metabolizes fat, amino acids and carbohydrates in the body. It also keeps skin healthy. Foods that contain pyridoxine include whole grains, beans and nuts. Over-processing of foods with pyridoxine, medications, alcoholism and malabsorption disorders may cause a vitamin B6 deficiency, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. A deficiency in pyridoxine may cause serious complications. The symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Mental Changes
Individuals with a pyridoxine deficiency may have mental changes. Possible changes include depression, irritability and confusion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The deficiency may affect the brain because pyridoxine helps in the role of serotonin production. Decreased amounts of vitamin B6 may cause a decreased level of serotonin and depressive symptoms. People may also experience symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and short-term memory loss.
Seizures
People with a pyridoxine deficiency may experience seizures. This is especially true for infants with the vitamin B6 deficiency. With the deficiency, using anticonvulsant medications may not stop the seizures. Instead, the pyridoxine deficiency needs correcting.
Mouth Sores
Sores may form in the mouth and the tongue may become sore and red for a person with a vitamin B6 deficiency. The sores may cause pain and the corners of the mouth may crack.
Cardiac Problems
Individuals with low levels of vitamin B6 may have a higher risk of developing cardiac problems. One of the roles of pyridoxine in the body is to lower the level of homocysteine in the blood. An increased amount of this amino acid in the body increases the risk of heart disease.
Anemia
Anemia may occur because of a pyridoxine deficiency. One role of vitamin B6 in the body is to help form red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia occurs when the body does not have an adequate supply of red blood cells.
Skin Problems
Pyridoxine deficiency may cause inflammatory changes in the skin. The possible changes include a reddened, scaly and greasy rash. Numbness and tingling may occur in the hands and feet.
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