What Happens If You Don't Get Vitamin B6? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

Suboptimal vitamin B6 levels are quite common in some populations, with an analysis showing that as many as 24% of Americans who don't take supplements have low concentrations. While a severe deficiency is rare, not getting enough of this vital nutrient can disrupt your body's most basic functions, leading to a range of symptoms from mild to debilitating.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B6 deficiency, while uncommon from diet alone, can cause serious neurological problems like peripheral neuropathy and seizures, as well as dermatological issues, anemia, and mood disturbances. Risk factors include kidney disease, alcohol dependence, and certain medications, with treatment typically involving targeted supplementation.

Key Points

Neurological Impact: Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause serious nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) leading to numbness, tingling, and poor coordination.
Psychological Effects: Mood regulation is tied to B6, and a deficiency can lead to confusion, irritability, and depression.
Dermatological Symptoms: Skin problems like scaly rashes (seborrheic dermatitis) and cracked lips (cheilosis) are common indicators of deficiency.
Anemia Risk: Inadequate B6 can hinder hemoglobin production, potentially causing microcytic anemia, which results in fatigue and weakness.
Immune System: A weakened immune response and increased susceptibility to infections can occur due to low B6 levels.
Risk Factors: Individuals with kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or alcohol dependence are at higher risk, as are those on certain medications.
Treatment: Addressing a deficiency usually involves dietary changes and, often, supplementation under medical supervision to avoid toxicity.

The Crucial Role of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is vital for over 100 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is particularly critical for the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, playing an indispensable role in energy production. Beyond metabolism, vitamin B6 is a key player in the health of the nervous system, the synthesis of hemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells—and the function of the immune system. Without sufficient vitamin B6, these fundamental processes break down, leading to the health complications associated with a deficiency.

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B6 can manifest in various ways, with symptoms often starting subtly and worsening over time. It's important to remember that isolated B6 deficiency is uncommon and is often associated with a lack of other B-complex vitamins, such as B12 and folate. The symptoms fall into several key categories:

Neurological and Psychological Symptoms

Because vitamin B6 is essential for creating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, its deficiency can profoundly affect mental and neurological health. Symptoms can include peripheral neuropathy, which involves numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, and in severe cases, ataxia. Low B6 levels are also associated with depression, confusion, and irritability.

Comparison of Healthy vs. Deficient B6 Status


Feature	Healthy B6 Status	Deficient B6 Status
Nervous System	Normal nerve function, stable mood, good cognitive health.	Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling), confusion, depression, irritability, seizures.
Skin & Mouth	Healthy skin with proper barrier function, no rash, healthy tongue and lips.	Seborrheic dermatitis (scaly rash), glossitis (swollen, red tongue), cheilosis (cracked lips).
Immune System	Strong immune response with proper production of antibodies and white blood cells.	Weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections.
Red Blood Cells	Adequate hemoglobin production and red blood cell count, preventing anemia.	Anemia, often microcytic, leading to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

Diagnosing and Treating a B6 Deficiency

Diagnosing a vitamin B6 deficiency typically involves blood tests, a physical exam and a review of symptoms, diet, and medication use. A doctor may recommend supplementation to see if symptoms improve.

Treatment and Prevention

Supplementation: Oral vitamin B6 supplements are effective for correcting a deficiency. Dosages vary and should be determined by a doctor, especially for individuals on medications that interfere with B6.
Dietary Improvements: Eating a balanced diet is the best preventive measure. Foods rich in B6 include fish, beef liver, poultry, chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, and fortified cereals.

An Important Note on B6 Toxicity

High doses of B6 from supplements can cause nerve damage, similar to deficiency symptoms. The recommended Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults is 100 mg per day. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking high doses of B6 supplements.

Conclusion

While a severe dietary vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon, its consequences can be significant, affecting everything from your nervous and immune systems to your skin and mental health. Knowing the risk factors—such as kidney disease, certain medications, or heavy alcohol use—is crucial for prevention. A balanced diet rich in B6-containing foods is the best defense, and supplementation, when necessary, should be done under medical guidance. By being mindful of your intake and consulting a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms, you can avoid the serious health issues that arise from not getting enough vitamin B6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Initial symptoms can be subtle and include mood changes such as irritability, confusion, and mild depression. You might also notice skin issues like a scaly rash or cracked lips, or a swollen, sore tongue.

Yes, prolonged and severe vitamin B6 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage. This often results in numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands and feet.

A severe deficiency can be dangerous, leading to serious consequences like seizures, particularly in infants. Long-term nerve damage can also become permanent if not addressed. Mild deficiency may not show obvious symptoms but can still affect overall health.

Chronic conditions such as kidney disease (especially with dialysis), autoimmune disorders like celiac or inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic alcohol dependence are significant risk factors for B6 deficiency.

Rich sources of vitamin B6 include chickpeas, fish (like tuna and salmon), beef liver, poultry, potatoes, bananas, and fortified breakfast cereals. A varied diet with these foods typically provides enough B6.

Yes, some medications can interfere with B6 metabolism. The antibiotic isoniazid, used for tuberculosis, is a common example, as are certain drugs for epilepsy and high blood pressure.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and medical history review by a healthcare provider. While blood tests can measure B6 levels, they may not always be conclusive, so doctors may also rely on symptom presentation and dietary history.

The most common treatment is oral vitamin B6 supplementation. The dosage and duration will vary based on the individual and the underlying cause. Correcting any contributing medical conditions is also a key part of treatment.