Women Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Irritated and inflamed skin, a sore tongue, and cracks in the corners of the mouth are possible signs of a vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency. Most people get enough of this vitamin through their diet, but some people are at a higher risk for developing a deficiency, including older adults and those with alcoholism. A deficiency of this vitamin can be treated with vitamin B6 supplements.
Some people are at a much higher risk for a vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency, compared to others. Although vitamin B6 deficiencies can cause serious problems, they are usually easy to treat.
Signs of a vitamin B6 deficiency may include:
- Irritated and inflamed skin
- A sore tongue
- Depression
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Anemia
- Cracks in the corners of the mouth.
While most people do not have trouble getting enough vitamin B6 through a well-balanced diet, the following groups of people seem to have a higher risk for a vitamin B6 deficiency:
- People with alcoholism
- Older adults
- People taking the following medications:
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Hydralazine (Apresoline®)
- Isoniazid
- Penicillamine (Cuprimine®)
- Theophylline (Uniphyl®, Theocron®, TheoCap®, Theo-24®, Elixophyllin®).
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD