Evaluation of Vitamin B6 Status of Adult Saudis in Al-Qassim Region-Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin B₆ status of adult Saudis in Al-Qassim region-Saudi Arabia. A sample of 239 (127 males and 112 females) healthy Saudi adults was recruited. Vitamin B₆ status was evaluated by dietary intake and biochemical measurements. Results of dietary intake measurements showed that means of vitamin B₆ intake and intake of vitamin B₆ to protein ratio for males and females were 1.97±0.58 mg/day, 0.021±0.003 and 1.89±0.61 mg/day, 0.020±0.04, respectively. Results of biochemical measurements showed that means of plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) concentration and average urinary 4-Pyridoxic Acid (4-PA) excretion for males and females were 29.6±9.6 nmol L^-1 and 7.0±2.4 μmol day^-1 and 31.7±10.4 nmol L^-1 and 6.8±2.5 μmol day^-1, respectively. The study also investigated and discussed other health indicators that are related to vitamin B₆ status including Body Mass Index (BMI), plasma albumin concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity. Results of dietary intakes and biochemical measurements indicated an adequate status of vitamin B₆. There were no significant differences between males and females in any of the previous measurements. This study indicated an adequate status of vitamin B₆ among healthy adult Saudis in Al-Qassim region, however due to the numerous functions and the importance of the vitamin, the study suggested a further evaluation in various groups of the Saudi population in other regions of the country.