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Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Vitamin B6

This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours before the test

Understanding Vitamin B6


What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 test measures the levels of Vitamin B6 present in the blood. Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) or Pyridoxine. It is usually present in sufficient amounts in the diet, but if a person is deficient in other B complex vitamins, there are chances of getting Vitamin B6 deficiency as well.


What is Vitamin B6 used for?

The Vitamin B6 test is done in case of signs and symptoms such as:

  • Skin rashes

  • Cracked and sore lips

  • Sore, glossy tongue

  • Mood swings

  • Weakened immune function

  • Tiredness and low energy

  • Tingling and pain in hands and feet

  • Seizures



What does Vitamin B6 measure?

The Vitamin B6 test measures the levels of Vitamin B6 in blood. Vitamin B6 belongs to the Vitamin B complex group. Generally, this vitamin is found in the diet, but its deficiency can be found in people who are deficient in other B complex vitamins. The chances of vitamin B6 deficiency are more in people having liver, kidney, digestive, or autoimmune diseases. Along with that, people who are smokers, overweight, alcoholics, and pregnant women can also have a deficiency of this vitamin. 


Vitamin B6 plays a role in the processing of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the body. It is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It is also said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. 


Vitamin B6 is found in food sources like poultry, fish, meat, eggs. potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, cereal grains and flour, vegetables (e.g., peas, spinach, and carrots), seeds and nuts, legumes, milk, and cheese. It is also found in fortified cereals and nutrition bars. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin B6 required for adults is around 1.7 mg. People eating only plant-based food require additional foods to meet the required amount of Vitamin B6 intake in the body.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vitamin B6


Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin B6

Q. Is there any preparation required for the Vitamin B6 test?

Before going for Vitamin B6 test, a person should avoid taking vitamin supplements and alcohol intake for 24 hours. Overnight fasting is required.

Q. What can happen if a person is Vitamin B6 deficient?

Deficiency of Vitamin B6 can lead to sideroblastic anemia, chronic fatigue, scaling or dry conditions, conjunctivitis, confusion, and neuropathy.

Q. What are the harmful effects of excess Vitamin B6 levels?

Excess of Vitamin B6 levels can affect your control over muscles or may cause problems in coordination of voluntary movements, painful, disfiguring skin lesions. It may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and heartburn, numbness, sensitivity to sunlight, and reduced ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.
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