In the nervous system, vitamin B6 is essential for making the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, so significant deficiency can lower seizure threshold and lead to seizures or encephalopathy, particularly in infants but occasionally in adults. Classic pyridoxine‑dependent or B6‑responsive seizure syndromes in infants often present with refractory seizures that improve dramatically after B6 or pyridoxal‑5‑phosphate is given, highlighting how crucial this pathway is for brain stability. Clinically, this means that in patients, especially infants, with otherwise unexplained or treatment‑resistant seizures or encephalopathy, assessing and correcting B6 status is a low‑risk, potentially lifesaving step that should be considered early. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Sousou JM, Griffith EM, Marsalisi C, Reddy P. Pyridoxine Deficiency and Neurologic Dysfunction: An Unlikely Association. Cureus. 2023 Oct 25;15(10):e47647. Gerlach, A.T., Thomas, S., Stawicki, S.P., Whitmill, M.L., Steinberg, S.M., & Cook, C.H. (2011). Vitamin B6 deficiency: a potential cause of refractory seizures in adults. JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition, 35 2, 272-5 . Lee, D., Lee, Y., Shin, H., Kang, K., Park, J., Kim, B., Kwon, O., & Lee, J. (2015). Seizures Related to Vitamin B6 Deficiency in Adults. Journal of Epilepsy Research, 5, 23 - 24. Murty VS, Kishore MS, Patel MR. A Rare Case of Pyridoxine-dependent Seizures in Infancy. J Clin Neonatol. 2013 Jan;2(1):39-41.
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 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.
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.