Lack of pyridoxine can have serious consequences for metabolism. In most cases, pyridoxine deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin B6 in the diet. Therapeutic and preventive options include taking dietary supplements and eating foods containing vitamin B6.
What is pyridoxine deficiency?
Pyridoxine deficiency refers to a vitamin B6 deficiency, also known as pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins of the B-complex. It regulates amino acid metabolism and is thus essential for protein, fat and carbohydrate utilization, the formation of red blood cells, heart, muscle and circulatory activity. In addition, vitamin B6 strengthens nerves and vision, the balance of sodium and potassium, blood sugar levels, water balance, hair growth and the immune system. It also takes over the regulation of important nerve and brain functions. If the body lacks vitamin B6, these functions are impaired. Amino acids cannot be processed and protein deficiency occurs. In the case of pyridoxine deficiency, children mainly suffer from growth disorders, as metabolism is slowed down and inhibited. Acute pyridoxine deficiency can not only have physical effects such as growth disorders and eczema formation. The nervous system and brain function can also be affected. Although pyridoxine deficiency is most commonly diagnosed in infants and young children, adults and the elderly can also become deficient in vitamin B6.
Causes
The main cause of pyridoxine deficiency is lack of vitamin B6 in the diet. Less commonly, it is caused by taking the tuberculosis drug isoniazid. Normally, a person needs two to three milligrams of pyridoxine per day. In the case of stress, before menstruation, during pregnancy, in the case of heart problems or diseases in old age, when blood sugar levels are too low or when taking the contraceptive pill, the body needs considerably more vitamin B6. At risk of developing a pyridoxine deficiency are people on high-protein diets and women who use oral contraception. Children who have been fed highly heated powdered milk also suffer from deficiency symptoms. Similarly, children with leukemia, people with chronic uremia, and elderly people who are financially and health impaired have significantly lower levels of pyridoxine. All of these individuals are at risk for vitamin B6 deficiency. This should be covered by a balanced diet containing vitamin B6, even before the first signs of deficiency appear.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The most common symptoms of pyridoxine deficiency are growth retardation, acrodynia, microcytic hypochromic anemia (blood deficiency), and hand, foot, and arm numbness, scaling, and eczema. Also common are abnormalities of mucous membranes and blood, nerve disorders, and skin disorders such as the skin disease seborrhea. This involves dry lesions that are flocculent around the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth and around the eyes. Serious vitamin B6 deficiency can cause severe seizures. Similarly, deficiency can impair nerve and brain performance, negatively affect mood, cause depression, trigger confusion and insomnia, or promote fatigue. Increased shakiness may likewise be a symptom of pyridoxine deficiency.
Diagnosis and disease progression
Pyrodoxine deficiency in infants can be detected as early as the first twelve months. It is characterized here by poor growth, growth retardation, and poor healing. To analyze the rate of growth, height, weight and head circumference are compared with average values of normal growth. If growth abnormalities are detected in infants and young children, they must be clarified by a physician. Even in adults, if the symptoms mentioned in point 4 appear, a doctor should be consulted before the symptoms worsen or further deficiency symptoms can appear.
Complications
Pyridoxine deficiency usually has a very negative effect on the patient’s quality of life and can significantly reduce it. Patients suffer from impaired growth and development, which can lead to discomfort and complications in adulthood, especially in children. However, the complications usually only occur when the pyridoxine deficiency prevails over a longer period of time.Anemia can also be caused by pyridoxine deficiency. The skin of the affected person is affected by scaling and there are sometimes various disturbances of sensitivity or numbness of the fingers and feet. It can also have a negative effect on the mental state of the affected person, so that most patients also suffer from confusion or inner restlessness. Sleep problems, permanent fatigue and tremor can also be associated with the disease. It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from depression or other psychological upsets. Pyridoxine deficiency can be very well limited with the help of supplements. In this case, no complications occur. Possible psychological complaints must then be treated by a psychologist. The patient’s life expectancy is not reduced by pyridoxine deficiency.
When should one go to the doctor?
Pyridoxine deficiency should always be treated by a physician. There is no self-healing in this condition and usually a significant worsening of symptoms if treatment is not initiated. The earlier pyridoxine deficiency is diagnosed and treated, the greater the likelihood of a complete cure. A doctor should be consulted in the case of pyridoxine deficiency if there are abnormalities in the blood or mucous membranes of the affected person. This can easily lead to severe lesions, especially affecting the mucous membranes around the nose or eyes. In some cases, the deficiency also causes severe convulsions. A convulsive seizure should be treated by an emergency physician, whereby the hospital can also be visited directly. Likewise, a strong shakiness of the affected person indicates the pyridoxine deficiency and should be examined by a doctor. It is not uncommon for those affected to also be confused and suffer from severe insomnia. Pyridoxine deficiency can be diagnosed and treated by a general practitioner.
Treatment and therapy
One of the most effective treatments for pyridoxine deficiency is administration of vitamin B6 in the form of supplements. The amount varies here, ranging from values of 100 to 300 mg per day. The daily dose to be administered depends on the biological usability of pyridoxine, which varies from person to person, and on the degree of deficiency. Special preparations such as vitamin B6 ratiopharm are available for this purpose. The vitamin B6 level must be checked regularly by a doctor while taking supplements. In addition, vitamin B6 is available in multivitamin preparations, as vitamin B complex and vitamin B6 supplements in the form of pyridoxine hydrochloride. Supplementation with pyridoxine supports glucose tolerance and lowering of blood sugar levels, as well as immune system function, prevents seizures, improves lymphocyte and monocyte blood levels, and alleviates depression. Psychosis and seizures caused by the tuberculosis drug isoniazid can also be prevented.
Prevention
To counteract acute pyridoxine deficiency, 2 mg of vitamin B6 should be ingested during the day. Often, choosing foods that contain enough vitamin B6 can prevent and prevent acute deficiency. To ensure an adequate supply of vitamin B6, it is recommended to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk and dairy products, as well as low-fat meat, poultry, beans, eggs and nuts. Saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars should be avoided, and the diet should be kept within the individually required daily calorie amount. Foods particularly rich in vitamin B6 include fish varieties such as salmon, sardines, halibut, herring, cod and plaice; poultry such as chicken and goose; and fruits and vegetables such as bananas, avocado, soybeans, walnuts and cashews, potatoes, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and leeks.
Aftercare
After a successfully treated pyridoxine deficiency, intensive aftercare should be provided to prevent a recurrence of pyridoxine deficiency. In this context, follow-up care consists primarily of regular checks of vitamin B6 levels in the blood, which can be performed by the patient’s family physician. In this way, a renewed pyridoxine deficiency can be detected and treated in good time. Since anemia can occur as a result of pyridoxine deficiency, the iron and hemoglobin levels in the blood should also be checked.If a deficiency is detected here, iron should be taken immediately as a dietary supplement. In addition, vitamin B6 should also be administered in the form of dietary supplements to prevent a renewed pyridoxine deficiency. If a pyridoxine deficiency already existed, certain tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid) should be avoided if possible. If therapy with such drugs is absolutely necessary, very high doses of vitamin B6 must also be taken to avoid a renewed pyridoxine deficiency at all costs. If necessary, infusions with a solution containing vitamin B6 may also be necessary in this case. In such a case, the blood values should also be monitored in a very close rhythm (every 14 days). In addition, anyone who has had a pyridoxine deficiency should pay attention to a diet containing vitamin B6 and iron. This consists of plenty of meat and fish, especially poultry, beef, and salmon. Vegetarian or vegan diets should be avoided.
