Use of Vitamin B6 and Manifestations of Deficiency
Vitamin B6 is a group of vitamins consisting of pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. All of these vitamins are metabolized into pyridoxal phosphate. Pyridoxal phosphate acts as coenzyme and carry out important reactions in blood, central nervous system, and skin. it is also important in heme and nucleic acid biosynthesis. it is an important component in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Low vitamin B6 can result in anemia. The patient will present with symptoms of anemia such as tiredness and weakness. on skin, Vitamin B6 deficiency on skin can manifest as scaly and itchy rash and it is usually on the face. This condition is known as seborrheic dermatitis. Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in cracked lips as well as cracked corners of the mouth known as cheilosis. Since vitamin B6 is important in central nervous system, its deficiency might result in memory impairment and mood disturbances. According to research, low levels of vitamin B6 can result in increased chances of malignancy. Vitamin B6 deficiency is usually associated with stomach and esophageal cancers. The daily requirement of vitamin B6 in adult men is 1.7 mg a day whereas in women 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 is recommended per day. In pregnant women, the daily requirement of vitamin B6 is 1.9 mg. Natural sources of vitamin B6 are beef, fish, and poultry. Fruits may be a source of vitamin B6. Source Reference: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamins-vitamin-b6-deficiency https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity/vitamin-b6-deficiency-and-dependency Image via https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamins-vitamin-b6-deficiency