Vitamin B-6 comes from legumes, nuts, eggs, meats and whole grains. Manufacturers also enrich some products with the nutrient. Your immune system needs vitamin B-6 to make antibodies that fight disease. Besides, the nutrient facilitates the production of red blood cells and supports your nervous system. A deficiency of vitamin B-6 causes neurological and other symptoms. If you are concerned about your vitamin B-6 intake, consult a doctor before taking a dietary supplement.
Seizures
In the 1950s, some formula-fed infants began to have seizure episodes. Eventually, the condition was linked to a manufacturing mistake: Less than the necessary content of vitamin B-6 had been added to the formula. The seizures were the babies’ brains response to the nutrient deprivation.
Depression
Vitamin B-6 is necessary for your body to make serotonin, a hormone that helps to keep your mood mostly even. A deficiency of vitamin B-6 impairs serotonin production, and it may throw you in a state of depression. It is worth noting that lack of B-6 does not cause every case of depression. Besides, there is no firm evidence that supplementing the vitamin eases depression symptoms. If you feel depressed, consult a professional with the credentials to assist you to get better.
Other Neurological Symptoms
When you develop a deficiency of vitamin B-6, you may feel irritable, nervous or experience mental confusion. An impaired memory and weak muscles, as it becomes difficult for your brain to communicate with them, are also potential effects of low B-6.
Non-Neurological Symptoms
A lack of vitamin B-6 sometimes causes tongue inflammation as well as sores in your mouth and on the skin just outside it. Besides, because the nutrient participates in the production of red blood cells, you may develop anemia if there is not sufficient B-6 to make a full supply. Red blood cells carry oxygen through your body to keep all systems functioning properly.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6--All Information; Linda Vorvick, M.D., et al.; March 7, 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B6; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; November 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine); Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 18, 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
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