Inadequate
vitamin B-6 status is common among elderly people. It is still unclear to what extent factors other than reduced
vitamin B-6 intake are responsible for this. We studied the
vitamin B-6 intake and status [measured as plasma
pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)] in 546 elderly Europeans, aged 74-76 years, with no known
vitamin B-6 supplement use. In addition, we examined interrelations and associations with other dietary and lifestyle factors, including indicators of physical health. Overall, 27% of the males and 42% of the females had dietary
vitamin B-6 intakes below the mean minimum requirements (.015 mg/
g protein and/or < 1.0 mg/day), and 22% of both males and females had low plasma PLP levels (< 20 nmol/L). Plasma PLP was positively associated with
vitamin B-6 intake, alcohol intake, and
serum albumin, and was weakly negatively associated with body mass index. Although the
serum albumin levels fell within the normal range, these findings suggest that this
transport protein is related with
vitamin B-6 status of elderly people, either directly or as a result of underlying health problems. It is concluded that, based on the references for younger adults, the
vitamin B-6 status of elderly people is marginal. Trials are needed to quantify functional and health consequences of improving the
vitamin B-6 status of elderly people.