Vitamin B6, Plasma

Overview:

Vitamin B6 is involved in more than a hundred enzyme reactions, particularly those handling amino acids, and in making neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. This test measures pyridoxal 5-phosphate, the active form, which reflects status better than measuring total B6. Deficiency is uncommon on a normal diet but occurs with alcohol use, kidney disease, malabsorption and some medications. B6 is unusual among water-soluble vitamins in that excess causes harm: high-dose supplementation over long periods can cause peripheral nerve damage, sometimes at doses available over the counter, so testing is used at both ends.

Categories:

Vitamins & Nutrients

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker