JamunJar: Health & Wealth for a better tomorrow

🧪 What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin production. It plays a critical role in nerve function, immune response, and energy metabolism.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Diagnose Vitamin B6 deficiency which may cause neuropathy, anemia, and seizures
Monitor vitamin B6 toxicity in patients on high-dose supplementation
Evaluate causes of peripheral neuropathy or seizure disorders
Assess nutritional status in malabsorption or chronic illnesses

📊 Normal Range

Vitamin B6 Level	Reference Range
Plasma Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (active form)	5 – 50 µg/L (20 – 125 nmol/L)

📈 Interpretation of Results

Level	Clinical Significance
Low Vitamin B6	Deficiency causing neuropathy, anemia, seizures
Normal Vitamin B6	Adequate nutritional status
High Vitamin B6	Possible toxicity from excessive supplementation; sensory neuropathy risk

🧠 Associated Conditions

Condition	Details
Vitamin B6 deficiency	Malnutrition, alcoholism, certain medications
Vitamin B6 toxicity	Excessive supplementation causing neuropathy
Neurological disorders	Peripheral neuropathy, seizures

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Complete blood count (CBC)
Serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid
Vitamin B12 levels
Nerve conduction studies (if neuropathy suspected)

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
Vitamin B6	❌ No

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Measures plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (active B6)
Why	Diagnose deficiency or toxicity
Normal Range	5–50 µg/L
Low Levels	Deficiency causing neuropathy and anemia
High Levels	Toxicity risk from excess supplementation
Associated Conditions	Deficiency (malnutrition, meds), toxicity, neuropathy
Follow-up Tests	CBC, B12, homocysteine, nerve studies
Fasting Required	❌ No