Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency
Symptoms, at-risk groups, and clinical context for vitamin b6 (pyridoxine) deficiency. Sourced from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and StatPearls.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is uncommon in the US since most people get adequate amounts from food. When deficiency does occur, it's usually mild and tied to specific medical conditions, kidney problems, or certain medications. Severe deficiency can cause anemia, seizures, and dermatitis.
Common symptoms
- Microcytic, hypochromic anemia (different from B12/folate-related anemia)
- Skin disorders — seborrheic dermatitis around eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth, swollen tongue
- Depression, confusion, irritability
- Weakened immune function, frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Seizures (rare, severe deficiency or pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy in infants)
- Symptoms often overlap with other B-vitamin deficiencies
At-risk groups
- People with kidney disease, especially on dialysis or post-kidney transplant
- People with autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, celiac, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- People with alcohol use disorder
- Long-term users of certain medications (isoniazid, hydralazine, penicillamine, levodopa, anticonvulsants)
- Older adults with poor diet
- Pregnant women (B6 needs increase)
- People with rare genetic disorders affecting B6 metabolism
When to see a doctor: Persistent skin issues around the face, unexplained microcytic anemia (especially when iron levels are normal), or peripheral neuropathy in any at-risk group warrants evaluation. Important warning: long-term high-dose B6 supplementation (>100-200 mg/day) can itself cause sensory neuropathy — never exceed the UL without medical supervision.
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Related deficiencies
Nutrients with overlapping symptoms — useful when investigating an unclear clinical picture.