A B vitamin central to energy metabolism, nerve function, and amino acid processing.
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions, especially those handling proteins and amino acids. It supports the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and immune function.
Blood testing usually measures pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), the active form of the vitamin in plasma, which is the best single indicator of B6 status.
Vitamin B6 is needed for normal nerve function, the breakdown of homocysteine, and red blood cell production. Low levels can contribute to nerve symptoms, anaemia, and raised homocysteine.
Testing helps confirm whether intake is adequate and is useful when assessing nerve symptoms or planning supplementation. Notably, very high B6 from over-supplementation can itself cause nerve problems, so more is not better.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Measured as plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) by HPLC. Ranges are guidance and vary by laboratory.
| Status | Plasma PLP |
|---|---|
| Adequate | At or above 30 nmol/L |
| Typical adult reference | Approximately 20 to 200 nmol/L |
A PLP of 20 nmol/L or above is widely used as the threshold for adequacy. Confirm the exact interval with the reporting laboratory.
You learn whether your B6 level is low, adequate, or high. A low result suggests inadequate status, which can relate to poor intake, certain medications, or higher needs. A very high result usually reflects supplementation, which in excess can cause nerve symptoms.
PLP is light-sensitive, so poor sample handling can lower results. Recent supplementation can raise levels markedly. Inflammation can lower plasma PLP independently of intake. Certain medications can reduce B6 status.
Read alongside homocysteine, and with other B vitamins such as folate and B12 when assessing nerve symptoms or anaemia.
One annual membership, 100+ biomarkers, every result explained in plain language with a personalized action plan and concierge guidance.
