9 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

1. Skin rashes

Signs of a vitamin B6 deficiency can show up on your skin as rashes, which may become obvious over months or years.

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to a red, itchy rash called seborrheic dermatitis. Rashes may be visible on your scalp, neck, face, and upper chest and are known for their flaky, oily appearance, leading to swollen or white patches.

Skin irritation can occur because vitamin B6 helps synthesize the collagen necessary to maintain healthy skin. As a result, taking vitamin B6 supplements might help clear the rash.

Some people with seborrheic dermatitis may require more vitamin B6; in some cases, a face cream containing vitamin B6 can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Cracked and dry lips

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to scaly and chapped lips with cracked mouth corners. This symptom can make talking or eating painful or difficult. 

It is important to note that other causes of cracked and dry lips include deficiencies of riboflavin, folate, iron, and other nutrients. External factors such as windy, dry weather can also lead to this symptom.

3. Sore and glossy tongue

Low levels of vitamin B6 can lead to glossitis, which causes a swollen, smooth, sore, red, or inflamed tongue.

Loss of small bumps or papillae on the tongue surface is responsible for glossitis. Glossitis can cause problems with chewing, swallowing, and talking.

Glossitis can also be caused by a deficiency of other nutrients, such as folate and vitamin B12.

4. Weak immune system

Having a healthy immune system is vital for preventing infections, inflammation, and disease. Not getting enough vitamin B6 can weaken the immune system due to the following:

• Decreased production of antibodies needed to fight infections
• Decreased production of white blood cells, including T cells that are responsible for regulating the immune system
• Decreased production of a protein called interleukin-2 that helps direct the action of white blood cells

Autoimmune disorders and cancer can lower vitamin B6 levels, thereby increasing the need for vitamin B6. Supplements can be beneficial in preventing deficiency.

5. Tingling in the hands or feet

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning, shooting, and tingling pain in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Other symptoms may include

• Clumsiness
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Taking too much of an inactive form of B6 (pyridoxine HCl) can also cause neuropathy since it can block the action of active B6 and lead to the depletion of active B6.

6. Low energy

Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with tiredness and low energy, often due to anemia. Vitamin B6 is responsible for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. When hemoglobin is low, it can lead to anemia, which can cause tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin B6 is also responsible for producing the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Inadequate melatonin levels can cause sleep disturbances and related fatigue.

7. Seizures

Vitamin B6 is needed to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms excited neurons and thus prevents seizures. Seizures can lead to symptoms such as muscle spasms, uncontrollable shaking, and loss of consciousness.

8. Brain fog

Vitamin B6 plays a key role in memory, and a deficiency can lead to age-related cognitive impairment including memory loss. 

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to high levels of homocysteine in the body, which is associated with stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other nervous system conditions. 

9. Mood changes

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to the following mood changes:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Feelings of pain

Vitamin B6 is needed to produce various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, which are responsible for helping reduce anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Studies have shown that taking 50-80 mg of vitamin B6 supplements may help alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as moodiness, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

You can easily reverse B6 deficiency by consuming foods rich in vitamin B6.  Another way to prevent B6 deficiency is by using supplements. The safe recommended daily dosage of vitamin B6 is less than 100 mg per day.