B6 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and What You Need to Know

When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin essential for brain function, red blood cell production, and hormone regulation. Also known as pyridoxine, it’s not stored long-term—so you need it regularly from food or supplements. Many people assume they’re getting enough because they eat meat or bananas, but low B6 is more common than you think—especially if you’re older, have digestive issues, or take certain medications.

B6 deficiency doesn’t always show up as one clear symptom. Instead, it sneaks in: tiredness that won’t quit, irritability or depression that doesn’t respond to therapy, tingling in your hands or feet, or even frequent infections. It’s often mistaken for stress or aging. But when your body can’t make enough serotonin or GABA—neurotransmitters that rely on B6—your mood and nerves pay the price. People on long-term antibiotics, diuretics, or seizure meds like phenytoin are at higher risk. Even heavy alcohol use can drain your B6 stores fast.

It’s not just about supplements. Food sources like chickpeas, salmon, potatoes, and chicken liver give you B6 in a form your body uses easily. But if you’re absorbing poorly due to Crohn’s, celiac, or kidney disease, eating more won’t fix it. That’s why doctors sometimes test blood levels—not just to check for deficiency, but to see if your body is even using what you take in. And while B6 supplements are widely sold, taking too much can damage nerves. The line between helping and harming is thin.

What you’ll find below are real, practical stories from people who’ve dealt with unexplained fatigue, nerve pain, or mood swings—only to find out B6 was the missing piece. Some found relief after years of misdiagnosis. Others learned how their meds were quietly stealing their B6. These aren’t generic advice pieces. They’re lived experiences, backed by medical evidence, and focused on what actually works.