Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure
Published on: July 10, 2009
Vitamin B6 in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients
Matthew Harmer1, Stephen Wootton2, Rodney Gilbert3
1Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Southampton Children's Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK; Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre-Nutrition, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, E level, Southampton, UK.
Insights
This study found that pediatric renal transplant recipients generally have adequate vitamin B6 levels, with 20% showing elevated serum Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). Vitamin B6 intake was not excessive in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin B6 status is crucial for overall health, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Limited data exists on vitamin B6 status in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
- Elevated serum Pyridoxal 5 extquotesingle-phosphate (PLP) has been observed in adult transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vitamin B6 intake and biochemical status in children post-renal transplantation.
- To assess serum Pyridoxal 5 extquotesingle-phosphate (PLP) levels and dietary vitamin B6 intake.
- To identify potential deficiencies or excesses of vitamin B6 in this population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 10 pediatric renal transplant recipients.
- Dietary assessment to determine vitamin B6 intake.
- Measurement of serum Pyridoxal 5 extquotesingle-phosphate (PLP) concentrations.
Main Results:
- Median serum PLP concentration was 62.45 nmol/L.
- 20% of children had elevated serum PLP levels; none had deficient levels.
- Mean vitamin B6 intake was 138.7% of the reference nutrient intake.
- No children received vitamin B6 supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric renal transplant recipients in this cohort did not exhibit vitamin B6 deficiency.
- A subset of children presented with elevated serum PLP, despite non-excessive dietary intake.
- Further research into vitamin B6 metabolism in pediatric transplant recipients is warranted.
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.
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