Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of vitamin B6 as follows:
- Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals helping with conduction of nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another. These neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system must be closely regulated and balanced, as they are essential in regulating mood and behavior. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can result in compromised synthesis of these neurotransmitters. Low levels of these chemicals in the brain contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, mania, and psychosis.
- New red blood cells are continually produced from the bone marrow, which replace the senile red blood cells in the circulation that are poorly functioning. Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in synthesis of new red blood cells. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can result in impaired synthesis of new red blood cells, thus resulting in anemia.
- Vitamin B6 acts as a co-factor for many enzymes involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Deficiency of vitamin B6 thus results in compromised overall body metabolism, poor appetite, reduced energy production, malaise, weakness, and fatigue.
