Vitamin B6 Should be Measured in CVID to Avoid Long-Term Complications

HANNOVER, Germany—Vitamin B6 deficiency is typical in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), though the deficiency is not the cause, nor does the vitamin supplementation relieve humoral immunodeficiency, according to a study at the Medical School Hannover (Euro J Clin Nutr. 2008;62:332-335) (DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602694). Fifty-four patients with CVID visiting the outpatient clinics in 2005 were measured for their plasma vitamin B6 concentrations. Of the 54 patients, 17 had a decreased plasma vitamin B6 and were recommended to take 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day for three months. Vitamin B6 concentrations, absolute number of lymphocyte populations and immunoglobulin concentrations were controlled. Eleven out of the 17 patients followed the recommendation and at the end of the three months had normal vitamin B6 plasma concentrations, and the number of CD4+ T cells significantly increased; however, concentrations of serum immunoglobulins were not improved. The researchers concluded vitamin B6 should be measured in CVID to avoid possible long-term complications of its deficiency.