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Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, plays important roles in the body, such as contributing to a healthy metabolism, protecting neurons and producing neurotransmitters, substances that are important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and preventing heart disease.
Thus, if the vitamin levels are low, health problems may arise, which can be identified by signs and symptoms, such as:
- Anemia;
- Tiredness and drowsiness;
- Disorders in the nervous system, such as mental confusion and depression;
- Dermatitis and cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- Swelling on the tongue;
- Lack of appetite;
- Motion sickness;
- Dizziness and vertigo;
- Loss of hair;
- Nervousness and irritability;
- Weakening of the immune system.
In children, vitamin B6 deficiency can also cause irritability, hearing problems and seizures. In addition, it is important to remember that, in general, the deficiency of this vitamin is also accompanied by a lack of vitamins B12 and folic acid.
Possible causes
Vitamin B6 is present in many foods, so it is very rare for levels to be low, however, its concentration in the body may decrease in people who smoke or consume alcohol in excess, women who take oral contraceptives, pregnant women who have pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
In addition, the risk of suffering from vitamin B6 deficiency in the body is greater, as in people with kidney problems, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, intestinal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and in cases of excessive alcohol consumption .
How to avoid lack of vitamin B6
To avoid deficiency of this vitamin, it is important to consume foods rich in Vitamin B6, such as liver, salmon, chicken and red meat, potatoes, plums, bananas, hazelnuts, avocados or nuts, for example. See more foods rich in vitamin B6.
In addition to consuming foods rich in this vitamin, in some cases it may be necessary to take a supplement with vitamin B6, which can be combined with other vitamins, such as folic acid and vitamin B12, which in some cases are also low simultaneously.
Excess Vitamin B6
Excessive consumption of vitamin B6 is rare and usually occurs due to the use of dietary supplements, with symptoms such as loss of control of body movements, nausea, heartburn, sensitivity to light and skin wounds. However, these symptoms improve with the discontinuation of vitamin supplementation. See more about the supplement.