Prevalence and Factors Associated With B6 Insufficiency in Nursing Home Patients

Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in amino acid metabolism. While 19-27% of the United States population have low B6 plasma levels, approximately 30 million Americans are affected by B6 deficiency. Lower plasma levels or B6 insufficiency have been associated with all-cause mortality, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and higher risk of colorectal cancer. Hence, the prevalence of B6 deficiency can impact more on a vulnerable population such as nursing home (NH) patients. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of B6 insufficiency among NH patients in a rural community in Southeast Ohio and to examine factors that may be associated with B6 insufficiency status.