Vitamin B-6 Deficiency Found To Be Widespread

New Vitamin B-6 research at Tufts University refutes conventional wisdom that B-6 deficiencies are uncommon in the United States. Crucial for mental and neurological health, Vitamin B-6 plays a big role in preventing heart disease. Deficiencies can adversely affect the immune system and lead to anemia.

The Tufts study found that young women of childbearing age experience deficiencies of B-6 that correspond to their use of oral contraceptives. These young women’s B-6 deficits persisted even after oral contraceptive use was discontinued. Adequate blood levels of B-6 are crucial for amino acid absorption and for many important enzyme reactions in the body.

Are newly “epidemic” childhood neurological disorders, such as autism and ADHD, linked to to B-6 deficiency resulting from their mothers’ prior oral contraceptive use? The increase in young women experiencing severe nausea of pregnancy could also be linked to B-6 depletion. Studies in the 1970’s found morning sickness caused by low blood levels of Vitamin B-6. (Pheiffer).

Other groups at risk for B-6 deficiency, according to the study, were male smokers, African American men, and individuals over 65. B-6 deficiencies occurred even when study participants consumed the government recommended daily allowance of less than 2 milligrams per day.