Low vitamin B6 levels associated with severe RA

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Low vitamin B6 levels associated with severe RA

What problem was studied?

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have low vitamin B6 levels but why this

abnormality occurs is unclear. People with vitamin B6 deficiency do not adequately

break down an amino acid in the blood called homocysteine

which can result in a heart attack or stroke. This study focused on whether the

abnormal vitamin B6 levels are related to RA disease status.

Arthritis Foundation-funded researchers involved in the study: En-Pei I. Chiang, PhD, supported by an Arthritis Foundation

training grant and Ronenn Roubenoff,

MD, MHS, supported by an Arthritis Foundation clinical grant, Tufts University,

Boston, MA

What was done in the study?

Thirty-seven persons with RA completed surveys, physical examinations and

laboratory tests to assess their pain and fatigue, disability status, number of

tender and swollen joints, vitamin B6 and homocysteine

levels, as well as markers of inflammation.

What were the study results?

Low vitamin B6 levels in people with RA were associated with signs of more

severe disease, including higher disability score, number of swollen joints and

increased signs of inflammation. These results provide evidence that the low

vitamin B6 levels result from inflammation, rather than lower intake or higher

breakdown of the vitamin. The researchers further concluded that the

combination of chronic inflammation, low vitamin B6 and elevated homocysteine could contribute to an increased risk of heart

disease in people with RA.

What's the relevance to people with

arthritis?

This study suggests that people with severe RA may need more vitamin B6 to help

prevent vitamin deficiency. There are no guidelines yet for how much vitamin B

supplement should be taken to decrease homocysteine

levels and taking too much can result in nerve damage. However, eating foods

rich in this vitamin, such as whole grain cereals, fish, bananas and beans,

could be beneficial.

Much Love,

Deanna

LUPUS Serenity Prayer...

Lord,

grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to

change the things I can, and the wisdom to hide the bodies of doctors I shot

when they said, You're perfectly healthy, it's all in your head "