Vitamin B6 in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the vitamin B6 intake and biochemical status in a sample of children who have undergone renal transplantation.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in 10 pediatric renal transplant recipients to determine their vitamin B6 status through dietary assessment and serum Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) measurement.

RESULTS: Ten children (mean age of 11.9 years) had median serum PLP concentrations of 62.45 nmol/L (interquartile range ±83.40). Two children (20%) had values above the reference range, and none below. Mean vitamin B6 intake was 138.7% of reference nutrient intake (standard deviation ±35.2%). No children were in receipt of vitamin B6 supplementation.

CONCLUSION: There is no previous literature on vitamin B6 status in children who have undergone renal transplantation. In adult transplant recipients, elevated serum PLP concentrations have been described and ascribed to possible excessive intakes. In this sample, no children appeared biochemically deficient, but 20% had elevated concentrations. Dietary intakes were not excessive, and no children reported oral Vitamin B6 supplementation. Exploration of vitamin B6 metabolism in this population is required.