Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Vitamin B6 is a group of related compounds, including pyridoxine. The active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, helps more than a hundred enzymes break down protein, make haemoglobin and produce brain chemical messengers such as serotonin. It is found in poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas and fortified cereals.

B6 is one of the few water-soluble vitamins where both too little and too much can cause problems. Low levels are linked to alcohol misuse, kidney disease, some autoimmune and digestive conditions, and certain medicines. Very high intake from supplements, sometimes found in energy and magnesium products, can over time affect the nerves and cause numbness or tingling. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You take vitamin B6, B complex, magnesium or energy supplements and want to make sure your level is not too high.
• You have numbness, tingling or burning in your hands or feet and want to look at possible causes.
• You have kidney disease, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
• You drink alcohol heavily and want to check your B vitamins.
• You take a medicine known to affect B6, such as isoniazid, and your clinician has suggested monitoring.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your B6 result with the laboratory reference range. A low level may point to reduced intake, poor absorption, alcohol or medicines, and can contribute to anaemia, a sore mouth or low mood. A high level is most often caused by supplements, and if you also have nerve symptoms your practitioner will usually suggest stopping the product and reviewing it with your GP.

B6 levels can also fall during inflammation, so the result is read with your wider health in mind. A result outside the range is a prompt to talk it over with your practitioner, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

A fasting sample is usually preferred for vitamin B6, so please have water only for about 8 hours before your appointment unless we advise otherwise when you book. Let us know about every supplement you take, including magnesium, sleep and energy products, as many contain B6.

For other common nutritional causes of tingling and tiredness, see our vitamin B12 test or the Nutritional and Digestive Health check. Explore every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a vitamin B6 blood test in Chiswick?

The vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) blood test costs £189. The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can you have too much vitamin B6?

Yes. Taking high doses for a long time can damage the nerves and cause numbness or tingling. The NHS advises not taking more than 10mg a day from supplements unless advised by a doctor.

Is fasting needed for vitamin B6?

A fasting sample is usually preferred, as food can affect the result. We will confirm the exact preparation for you at booking.

What happens if my level is high and I have symptoms?

Your practitioner will help you identify which products contain B6 and usually suggest stopping them and speaking to your GP. Symptoms often improve after stopping, though this can take time.