Insight into your vitamin B6level.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) plays a role in protein metabolism, the nervous system, and the production of neurotransmitters. With this vitamin the level can also be too high, for example with long-term supplementation.
Also known as: pyridoxine, B6
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is the collective name for a group of water-soluble vitamins, of which pyridoxine is the best-known form. In the body, B6 is converted into the active form pyridoxal-5-phosphate, which acts as a cofactor in a large number of enzymatic reactions. These mainly concern protein and amino acid metabolism, the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, the formation of haemoglobin, and the functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B6 differs from most other vitamins in that the level can be not only too low, but also too high. Long-term use of high-dose B6 supplements is associated with nerve complaints, such as tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. For that reason it can be worthwhile to have your B6 level measured if you take supplements containing B6, even if you feel well. The result is assessed against the laboratory's reference ranges and placed in context by our doctor.
In brief
Pyridoxine
Best-known form of vitamin B6
Protein metabolism
Cofactor in amino acid metabolism
Neurotransmitters
Involved in serotonin and dopamine production
Can also be too high
Long-term high-dose supplementation raises the level
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Vitamin B6 be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Vitamin B6 can provide insight.
Insight into your status
A test gives a snapshot of your vitamin B6 level in the blood.
When using supplements containing B6
B6 is present in many multivitamins and energy formulas. A test shows whether your level has risen.
With tingling or numbness
Nerve complaints in the hands or feet are associated with a long-term elevated B6 level. A test gives insight into this.
With questions about energy and mood
B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. With complaints of fatigue or low mood, the level can form part of a broader picture.
With a one-sided diet
Those who eat a limited or one-sided diet for a long period may take in less B6 than usual.
With long-term medication use
Certain medications can affect vitamin B6 status. Our doctor takes your medication into account in the interpretation.
What your result means
How do we read your Vitamin B6 level?
Vitamin B6 is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges. With this vitamin, our doctor looks at both ends of the scale: both a low and an elevated value are relevant.
A low value
A low vitamin B6 level may indicate insufficient intake, reduced absorption from the gut, or an increased requirement. Complaints sometimes associated with a deficiency include fatigue, a burning sensation in the skin, and general malaise. Replenishment through diet or targeted supplementation is a common approach, in consultation with a doctor.
A normal value
A vitamin B6 level within the laboratory's reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. It remains a snapshot. A single measurement is not a diagnosis, and complaints can also have another cause.
An elevated value
An elevated vitamin B6 level is almost always caused by supplementation, not by diet. Long-term high-dose use is associated with nerve complaints, such as tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Our doctor explains your value and what would be sensible regarding your supplements. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your vitamin B6 level against the laboratory's reference ranges and your personal context, your supplement use, lifestyle, medication use, and any complaints.
Related tests
Often combined with Vitamin B6.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Vitamin B6 with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a vitamin B6 test?
No, you do not need to fast for a vitamin B6 measurement. If you combine the test with glucose or cholesterol, for example, the fasting instructions do apply to those tests.
Can my vitamin B6 level be too high?
Yes. Unlike most vitamins, an elevated B6 level is relevant. This is almost always caused by long-term use of high-dose supplements. Long-term high-dose use is associated with nerve complaints, such as tingling in the hands and feet.
Can I get too much B6 from food?
In practice this is not an issue. An elevated level almost always arises from supplements, not from a normal diet.
What is the difference between vitamin B6 and vitamin B12?
They are two different B vitamins with different functions. B6 is mainly involved in protein metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters. B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and in nerve function. A deficiency in one says nothing about the other, which is why they are measured separately.
Which foods contain vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is found in meat, fish, eggs, wholegrain cereal products, potatoes, legumes, nuts, and bananas, among others.
Should I stop my supplement before the test?
No. If you want to know whether your supplement is affecting your level, it makes sense to test while you are taking it. Mention your supplements during the intake so that our doctor can interpret the result properly.
How often should I measure vitamin B6?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. If you use supplements containing B6 over a long period, or an abnormal value was found previously, re-testing after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and an explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or reconsidering your supplement use, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your vitamin B6 level?
For €89 you receive your vitamin B6 level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Vitamin B6 for €79 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Vitamin B6 with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
79,-
All-in, blood draw included