Low vitamin B6 status can promote accumulation of homocysteine, a sulfur‑containing amino acid that can damage the endothelium, increase oxidative stress, and promote clot formation, all of which are relevant to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Large observational studies and cross‑sectional analyses have shown that people with lower plasma pyridoxal‑5‑phosphate (active B6) levels have higher rates of stroke and other vascular events, and in some cohorts low B6 was a stronger predictor of stroke or transient ischemic attack than homocysteine itself. The encouraging finding from meta‑analyses and clinical trials is that B‑vitamin combinations including B6 can lower homocysteine and modestly reduce the combined risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death in high‑risk patients, suggesting that maintaining adequate B6 is one useful piece of broader cardiovascular prevention This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Vanuzzo D, Pilotto L, Lombardi R, Lazzerini G, Carluccio M, Diviacco S, Quadrifoglio F, Danek G, Gregori D, Fioretti P, Cattaneo M, De Caterina R. Both vitamin B6 and total homocysteine plasma levels predict long-term atherothrombotic events in healthy subjects. Eur Heart J. 2007 Feb;28(4):484-91. Zhang M, Zhong J, Peng Y, Hao L, Xiao B. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and risk of stroke: triangulation of evidence from a nationally representative cohort and bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. EPMA J. 2024 Dec 18;16(1):95-111. Wei J, Ji JS. Modification of vitamin B6 on the associations of blood lead levels and cardiovascular diseases in the US adults. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. 2020;:bmjnph-2020-000088. Li, B., Hu, M., Ma, Y. et al. Association between Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 with coronary heart disease. Sci Rep 14, 19960 (2024).
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin E before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin C before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin C supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.
Research demonstrates that fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, are known to increase homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with increased risk of a range of health problems including atherosclerosis, stroke, and neurological diseases, and vitamin Bs including vitamin B6 helps facilitate the breakdown of homocysteine and may be helpful in reducing homocysteine levels.