Low B6

[Lindabridge]

I decided to go back to my last blood tests to make sure I'm seronegative.  That is definitely the case, but I noticed that I have curiously low B6 levels.  I find this odd since I am not a vegetarian, although I do eat lots of greens. I eat fish, chicken, and lean red meat on occasion.

I figured it couldn't hurt to take a B6 supplement, which I've been taking since November 17.  Already I feel significant improvement in my energy level.  I've also added folic acid. 

Does anyone have any explanation for this?  Are there any other Sjogren's sufferers who are also low in B6?

[Tharrell]

Hi Linda! I am also B6 deficient which is not common. Incidentally, it was my neurologist who ran this test due to acephalgic and regular migraines. Curiously I have since discovered that if I take B6 daily my levels are much to high, without them much to low. So I take B6 every other day which seems to do the trick. I also take two 800 mg folic acid since I have problems with mouth ulcers and two B2 for the migraines as per neurologist. I don't know if there is a connection to sjogren's.

[jazzlover]

Just be careful not to overdo it. High B6 can cause many many problems.

I thought most  people need folate, not folic acid??

[Maria3667]

Hi Linda,

Supplementing with B6 works miracles for my mood, but I had to learn the hard way that overdoing it causes nasty side effects. Most B6 supplements - either by itself or as a complex - contain way too much of it. I developed mysterious aches and pains such as toothaches which would ring out throughout my jaw. They stopped dead in their tracks when I quit and shot up again when I commenced the B6. So now I take the lowest dose available on alternate days.

Take care!

[irish]

Before I would take a pill of B6 I would increase my intake of cold cereal which is fortified. One doctor I had said that making cold cereal part of the diet was not a foolish thing to do.If you choose the more highly fortified cereal you will find 100% vita and minerals. Total is the brand name but it is spendy. There are some generic store brans that are highly fortified. Aldies does have a highly fortified cereal---I believe it is the brans cereal---which is very good by the way. Irish

[Lindabridge]

I thank everyone who has responded.  Yes, too much B6 can cause serious side effects.  So far, I haven't experienced any, but am now aware of any that could arise.

Irish, I am a long-time fan of Raisin Bran in the morning, for various reasons.  I do hate having to take any extra pills or supplements, and would rather get my nutritional needs from whole foods. 

But for some reason, my B6 is low, just as my D3 was low until I supplemented it. 

[irish]

I don't believe the Raisin Bran is higher in the vitamins and mineral. You get to stand in the aisle and read the backs of all the boxes. lol. It takes time to do this type of homework but it is necessary. Irish

[jazzlover]

Cereal is great as long as you don't mind consuming glyphosate.