Vitamin B6 · low result
What does a low Vitamin B6 mean?
Short answer
Low vitamin B6 occurs with alcohol use, kidney disease, malabsorption, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and several medications — isoniazid, hydralazine, some anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives. It contributes to anemia, dermatitis, mood symptoms and raised homocysteine. Diet alone rarely causes it in the US except with very restricted eating.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Vitamin B6?
- age 18+: 20.0 – 125 nmol/L
Can reflect alcohol use, certain medications, or absorption issues.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Vitamin B6 biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Vitamin B6?
- Alcohol use disorder
- Medications: isoniazid, hydralazine, penicillamine, levodopa-carbidopa, some anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives
- Malabsorption, celiac disease, kidney disease on dialysis
- Chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease
- Restricted diets, older age
What symptoms go with low Vitamin B6?
- Fatigue, irritability, low mood
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth, scaly rash, sore tongue
- Tingling, confusion in severe deficiency
What do clinicians usually check next?
- CBC (microcytic anemia can result), homocysteine
- Medication and alcohol review
- Retest 8–12 weeks after correcting the cause
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CBC with Differential ($21.99), CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($21.99), Homocysteine ($27.99).
How do you recheck Vitamin B6?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Test | $51.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
Should I supplement if my B6 is low?
Correcting a documented deficiency is reasonable at modest doses; the trap is high-dose long-term use, which causes neuropathy. A clinician sets the dose and duration.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.