Vitamin B6 deficiency
Carola Felchner is a freelance writer in the medical department and a certified training and nutrition advisor.She worked for various specialist magazines and online portals before becoming a freelance journalist in 2015. Before starting her internship, she studied translation and interpreting in Kempten and Munich.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.A vitamin B6 deficiency is hardly possible with a balanced diet. In the case of severe underweight or very one-sided food choices, however, there may be an undersupply. Symptoms include scaly rashes, numbness in the limbs, and sore lips. Find out more about the effects of a vitamin B6 deficiency here.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency: Causes
Vitamin B6 deficiency is very rare in Germany and other industrialized countries. Those who eat a balanced diet of animal and plant-based foods usually have no problems achieving the daily intake recommended by the German Nutrition Society (DGE). This is 1.4 milligrams for women and 1.6 milligrams for men.
However, some factors increase the need for vitamin B6 and thus the risk of an insufficient supply. These include taking estrogen preparations (e.g. contraceptive pills) or certain other medications (such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants), a very unbalanced diet, being severely underweight and alcoholism or the nutrient-poor diet that is often associated with it.
A vitamin B6 deficiency can usually be remedied well if it is recognized in good time. A change in diet is often enough. Sometimes the deficiency has to be compensated for with a vitamin supplement.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency: Symptoms
Vitamin B6 plays a major role in various processes in the body, for example in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, in the development of nerve cords and in the formation of the precursors of the blood pigment hemoglobin. This is necessary as part of the red blood cells for the transport of oxygen.
The symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency can also be correspondingly diverse. Even with a slight deficiency, the following can occur:
- acne
- Photosensitivity
- Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Angular rhinitis (tears in the corners of the mouth)
- fatigue
- Susceptibility to infection
- Stunted growth
- increased menstrual cramps in women
If the vitamin B6 deficiency persists, the following symptoms are possible:
- Liver and nervous system disorders
- Anemia
- Numbness in the limbs
- confusion
- flaky rashes (on the face and scalp)
- Convulsions and tremors (in infants)
- impaired utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium or magnesium
Vitamin B6 Deficiency: Effects in Pregnancy
According to the German Nutrition Society, the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is slightly higher than for non-pregnant women: It is 1.5 milligrams in the first trimester of pregnancy and 1.8 milligrams in the second and third trimesters.
A vitamin B6 deficiency also manifests itself in pregnant women through the symptoms mentioned above.
A sufficient supply of vitamin B6 can prevent such complaints - and have an additional effect on pregnant women: There is evidence that vitamin B6 can effectively reduce nausea during pregnancy. One more reason not to give a vitamin B6 deficiency a chance during pregnancy if possible.
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