Patient/caregiver was instructed upon indications for vitamin B6 supplementation as follows:
- Homocysteine is a toxic metabolite produced in the body from protein metabolism. Homocysteine produced in the body can be recycled and converted into useful proteins with the help of vitamin B6. High homocysteine levels in the blood can be toxic and can contribute to elevated cholesterol, increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and formation of blood clots. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood can also result in early loss of bone, increasing risk for early onset of osteoporosis and fractures. Supplementation of vitamin B6 in deficient states can help control the levels of toxic metabolites and reduce the chances for hyperlipidemia, stroke, clot formation, and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin B6 is present in various food sources and so, deficiency with vitamin B6 is relatively an uncommon finding. Deficiency with vitamin B6 is mostly experienced in individuals with history of malnutrition and supplementation of vitamin B6 in such individuals can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
- Individuals can present with anemia and peripheral neuropathy, secondary to deficiency of vitamin B6. Supplementation of vitamin B6 in such individuals can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
- Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Individuals with slower metabolism can benefit with supplementation of vitamin B6, as it can help with boosting the body metabolism.
