Vitamin B and anemia:
Researchers conducted a systematic review of studies looking at the relationship of vitamin supplementation on anemia. Vitamin B6 treats sideroblastic anemia in which a genetic defect or bone marrow disorder produces abnormal ringed sideroblasts instead of healthy red blood cells. (4)
Vitamin B and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs):
Phenytoin and carbamazepine, enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), were found to be associated with vitamin B6 deficiency. This study reports that 48% of those taking inducing AEDs were vitamin B6 deficient, compared to only 9% of control subjects. After discontinuation of inducing AEDs and with 6-weeks or more of treatment on levetiracetam, lamotrigine, or topiramate, non-enzyme-inducing AEDs, vitamin B6 deficiency affected only 21% of participants. There was no evidence of folate or vitamin B12 deficiency in any of the participants. (5)
