Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to which of the following conditions?

1. Convulsions and peripheral nerve disease

2. Severe fatigue and jaundice

3. Neuropathy and myopathy

4. Various skin rashes

The correct answer is: Convulsions and peripheral nerve disease

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a significant role in various physiological functions, including amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the formation of hemoglobin. Deficiency in this vitamin can disrupt these processes and lead to several health issues. In the case of vitamin B6 deficiency, one of the notable outcomes is the development of convulsions. This occurs because vitamin B6 is crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is essential for regulating neuronal excitability. When levels of vitamin B6 are inadequate, the synthesis of GABA may be impaired, potentially resulting in increased neuronal excitability and the occurrence of seizures or convulsions. Additionally, peripheral nerve disease is another consequence of vitamin B6 deficiency. The vitamin is vital for the maintenance of nerve health and function. Insufficient B6 levels can lead to neuropathy, characterized by symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. This is due in part to the disruption of myelin synthesis, which is essential for protecting nerve fibers and facilitating efficient nerve signal transmission. These connections highlight how vitamin B6 deficiency can manifest as both convulsions and peripheral nerve disease