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Vitamin B6
Vitamin
Report in 192Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Diagnose Vitamin B6 deficiency which may cause neuropathy, anemia, and seizures
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Vitamin B6 Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures the level of pyridoxal phosphate (active form of Vitamin B6) in the blood to assess nutritional status
- Diagnoses B6 deficiency in patients with symptoms such as anemia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitis, or immunosuppression
- Evaluates nutritional deficiencies in patients with malabsorption disorders, chronic liver disease, or autoimmune conditions
- Monitors B6 levels in patients taking medications that deplete B6 (isoniazid, hydralazine, penicillamine, cycloserine)
- Investigates elevated homocysteine levels or cardiovascular risk factors
- Assesses nutritional adequacy in alcoholics, dialysis patients, or those with chronic illness
- Typically performed when symptoms of deficiency are present or as part of comprehensive nutritional assessment
- Normal Range
- Reference Range: 30-80 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) or 12-36 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter)
- Optimal Level: 50-80 ng/mL indicates adequate B6 status
- Borderline Low: 20-30 ng/mL indicates marginal deficiency; may warrant supplementation
- Deficient: <20 ng/mL indicates clinical B6 deficiency requiring intervention
- Elevated: >100 ng/mL is rare and typically indicates B6 supplementation or toxicity (with levels significantly higher than reference range)
- Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories; always consult your lab's specific normal values
- Interpretation
- Low B6 Levels (<20 ng/mL): Indicates vitamin B6 deficiency; may cause anemia, neuropathy, dermatitis, or immune dysfunction; requires supplementation and investigation of underlying cause
- Borderline Low (20-30 ng/mL): Indicates marginal deficiency; patient may develop symptoms; dietary improvement or supplementation recommended
- Normal Range (30-80 ng/mL): Indicates adequate B6 status for normal metabolism, protein utilization, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function
- High B6 Levels (>80 ng/mL): Generally not concerning from dietary sources; may indicate supplementation; extremely high levels (>200 ng/mL) rare and may suggest B6 toxicity (sensory neuropathy risk)
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Recent B6 supplementation may artificially elevate levels
- Medications (isoniazid, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids) decrease B6 levels
- Chronic liver disease, renal dysfunction impair B6 metabolism
- Alcohol consumption significantly depletes B6 stores
- Age-related decline in B6 absorption may lower levels in elderly patients
- Pregnancy increases B6 requirements and may lower serum levels
- Associated Organs
- Primary Systems Involved:
- Nervous System: B6 is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis; deficiency causes peripheral neuropathy, seizures, depression, and cognitive dysfunction
- Hematopoietic System: Required for hemoglobin formation; deficiency causes hypochromic, microcytic anemia and impaired red blood cell production
- Immune System: Critical for lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production; deficiency impairs immune response
- Liver: Stores B6 and involved in metabolism; liver disease impairs B6 processing
- Kidneys: Involved in B6 filtration and reabsorption; kidney disease may affect B6 levels
- Associated Medical Conditions:
- Alcoholic neuropathy and cirrhosis
- Tuberculosis (particularly in patients on isoniazid therapy)
- Chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients
- Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndromes
- Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Type 2 diabetes (both increased needs and elevated excretion)
- Hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular disease
- Potential Complications:
- Severe deficiency can lead to irreversible peripheral neuropathy if untreated
- Chronic deficiency increases risk of atherosclerosis via elevated homocysteine
- Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to infections
- Severe anemia can cause cardiac complications if prolonged
- Follow-up Tests
- Recommended if B6 Deficiency Confirmed:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assess for anemia related to B6 deficiency
- Homocysteine and Methylmalonic Acid: Evaluate for related B vitamin deficiencies and cardiovascular risk
- Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels: Check for concurrent deficiencies (often coexist)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Assess kidney and liver function affecting B6 metabolism
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) and Anti-Endomysial Antibodies: Screen for celiac disease if malabsorption suspected
- Fasting Glucose and HbA1c: Evaluate for diabetes as cause or consequence of deficiency
- Diagnostic Tests for Neuropathy:
- Electromyography (EMG): If peripheral neuropathy suspected
- Nerve Conduction Studies: To assess severity of neurological involvement
- Monitoring After Treatment:
- Repeat B6 testing 2-4 weeks after starting supplementation to assess treatment response
- Regular monitoring (every 3-6 months) for patients on ongoing B6 supplementation
- Periodic assessment in patients taking B6-depleting medications (TB therapy, diabetes management)
- Annual or semi-annual screening in high-risk populations (elderly, chronic alcohol use, malabsorption disorders)
- Fasting Required?
- No - Fasting is NOT required for the Vitamin B6 test
- Patient can eat and drink normally before the test
- Food does not significantly affect serum B6 levels or test results
- Special Instructions:
- Inform healthcare provider of all medications, especially those known to affect B6 levels (isoniazid, hydralazine, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives)
- Disclose recent B6 supplementation (should generally stop 1-2 weeks before testing for accurate baseline assessment, unless provider instructs otherwise)
- No medications need to be avoided before the test unless specifically directed by physician
- Inform provider if patient consumes alcohol regularly (affects B6 metabolism and results interpretation)
- Simple blood draw from arm; no special preparation required beyond standard phlebotomy protocols
- Can be performed at any time of day; no time-of-day effects on results
How our test process works!
