From food, vitamin B6 is essential for the body. Its dosage is a blood test prescribed by the doctor to detect a possible deficiency.

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is soluble in water. So the body cannot store it. It is therefore necessary to provide it regularly.

She has many roles within the organization. These include:

• the production of antibodies, necessary to fight against many diseases;
• maintenance of nerve function;
• the manufacture of hemoglobin;
• the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters;
• protein degradation;
• maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Vitamin B6 is provided by food, it is absorbed in the intestine and circulates in the blood. It is found in the brain, kidneys, muscles but also the spleen. It is eliminated by the kidneys, in the urine.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include:

• the lawyer;
• the banana ;
• dried beans;
• pork and beef;
• liver ;
• fish, such as salmon, cod, tuna;
• octopus ;
• hazelnuts, sesame and sunflower seeds;
• chickpeas, corn.

The doctor prescribes an analysis of vitamin B6 to detect a possible deficiency, which can result in metabolic, dermatological, hematological or neuropsychic symptoms:

• irritability;
• a confusion ;
• inflammation of the tongue (called glossitis);
• anemia;
• the presence of seborrheic lesions around the eyes and mouth.

Normal values ​​of vitamin B6 in the blood are between 5 and 30 ng / ml.

Note that these values ​​are likely to change slightly depending on the laboratory performing the analyzes and the techniques used.

Below these reference values, we talk about vitamin B6 deficiency. This can be associated with:

• a renal failure ;
• alcoholism;
• a Heart Failure ;
• a cirrhosis ;
• a hyperthyroidism.
• difficulty in coordinating movements;
• numbness;
• or a modification of sensory perception.

On the contrary, an excess of vitamin B6 can be linked to:

• difficulty in coordinating movements;
• numbness;
• or a modification of sensory perception.

The examination consists of a sample of venous blood, generally at the level of the elbow crease. The sample thus collected must be stored away from light and in a cold place until it is analyzed by the medical analysis laboratory.

It is best to be on an empty stomach for 12 hours before having a blood test for vitamin B6.

It is by having a balanced diet including foods rich in vitamin B6 that the body receives a sufficient supply for its proper functioning.

Daily vitamin B6 intakes vary according to age:

• they are 0,1 mg for babies up to 6 months;
• 0,3 mg from 7 to 12 months;
• 0,5 mg from 1 to 3 years;
• 0,6 mg from 4 to 8 years;
• 1 mg from 9 to 13 years;
• 1,3 mg for men aged 14 to 50, 1,2 mg for women of the same age group;
• 1,7 mg for men over 50, 1,5 mg for women of the same age group.

Note that pregnant women need more vitamin B6. The sufficient intake for them is 1,9 mg per day, and 2 mg at the time of breastfeeding.