Signs & Symptoms of Low B6


 by Rae Uddin

Vitamin B-6 is a nutrient your body requires to maintain the proper function of your immune and central nervous systems. As an adult, if you don't consume the recommended 1.3 to 2 milligrams of vitamin B-6 daily, you may be at risk of developing a vitamin B-6 deficiency, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns.

Vitamin B-6 is a nutrient your body requires to maintain the proper function of your immune and central nervous systems. As an adult, if you don't consume the recommended 1.3 to 2 milligrams of vitamin B-6 daily, you may be at risk of developing a vitamin B-6 deficiency, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns. Seek care from your primary medical provider if you exhibit any of the signs and symptoms of low blood levels of vitamin B-6.

Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation, also called dermatitis, may develop as a sign of a vitamin B-6 deficiency. You may notice that your skin appears red, inflamed or unusually dry and begins to itch profusely. Scratching the affected skin region may result in skin tenderness and may increase your risk of developing a skin infection. Consult your doctor if skin inflammation becomes bothersome or increases in severity.

Convulsions or Seizures

When your body doesn't have adequate stores of vitamin B-6, your nerves aren't able to send and receive signals normally. The nerves in your brain -- called neurons -- may misfire or have difficulty transmitting messages to other parts of your body. Consequently, you may experience unusual body convulsions or seizures as signs of a vitamin B-6 deficiency. Your limbs or body may involuntarily twitch, or you may experience a brief lapse of consciousness. If you experience convulsions of seizures for any reason, contact your physician for further evaluation and care.

Mood or Mental Changes

Vitamin B-6 is also responsible for ensuring your vital organs receive the oxygen they need to produce energy. If your body is deficient in this nutrient, you may experience unusual mood or mental changes because your brain isn't receiving enough oxygen. You may feel abnormally depressed or confused, which may interfere with your ability to complete normal daily tasks. If such symptoms arise, consult your medical provider.

Anemia

In the absence of sufficient levels of vitamin B-6, your body can't produce normal levels of red blood cells. A low level of red blood cells is a medical condition referred to as anemia. If you develop anemia due to low B-6 levels, you may experience symptoms such as heart rate irregularities, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing or cold extremities. If this condition is left untreated, the symptoms of anemia gradually become worse over time.

Unusual Body Sensations

Nerve damage caused by low levels of B-6 may result in the emergency of unusual body sensations. Sensations of numbness, tingling or burning may develop in your feet or hands. These bothersome symptoms may also interfere with your ability to use the affected body region normally. If such symptoms become severe or persist, consult your medical provider for additional guidance and care.

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