Who needs vitamin B6?

What does the body use vitamin B6 for?

All of the B vitamins help maintain blood glucose levels but B6 has other important functions essential for proper body function. The body uses vitamin B6 to produce tryptophan, an important amino acid. Tryptophan is one of the twenty amino acids found in the human genetic code and cannot be produced within the body. Vitamin B6 is also important in the manufacture of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to tissues.

Deficiencies of vitamin B6

Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include skin inflammation, depression, confusion, sore tongues and convulsions. Vitamin B6 deficiency also can cause anemia similar to iron deficient anemia. It is important to consult a physician about any of these symptoms since these symptoms can also result from several other medical conditions other than vitamin B6 deficiency. Many disorders are attributed to the insufficient intake of the amino acid Tryptophan that vitamin B6 helps synthesize. Among those disorders are schizophrenia.

There have been many investigations into the levels of vitamin B6 and its affect on a wide variety of conditions such as seizures, chronic pain, depression, Parkinson's disease and migraines.

Who is at risk?

Individuals with a poor quality diet for an extended period may benefit from taking a vitamin B6 supplement. Alcoholics may need additional sources of vitamin B6 since alcohol destroys vitamin B6 from the body. Also, older adults are more likely to have insufficient vitamin B6 intakes because their diet may have a limited variety.