Pyridoxine deficiency causes which of the following?

• A. Dermatitis, weakness, poor growth, anemia
• B. Night blindness
• C. Bleeding gums
• D. Pearly white nails

Answer: (A)

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency disrupts multiple biological processes that rely on its active form, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), as a cofactor, especially amino acid metabolism and heme synthesis. Because PLP is required for ALA synthase, a key enzyme in heme production, insufficient B6 can lead to impaired heme synthesis and a type of anemia. Skin changes and impaired growth are also common in B6 deficiency due to disrupted protein metabolism and energy production. The combination of dermatitis, weakness from anemia and reduced energy, poor growth in children, and anemia itself is characteristic of pyridoxine deficiency.

Night blindness points to vitamin A deficiency, bleeding gums is a classic sign of vitamin C deficiency, and pearly white nails do not describe a typical nutrient-deficiency syndrome, so those options don’t fit pyridoxine deficiency.