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Understanding Your NBPF3 Result and Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a vital role in energy production, red blood cell formation, nervous system and immune function, and the production of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. It also helps regulate homocysteine, an amino acid linked to cardiovascular health when elevated. Your genes influence how your body processes and clears vitamins, and one genetic marker in the NBPF3 gene, rs4654748, has been associated with differences in circulating Vitamin B6 levels.

This article explains what that genetic result means, how it might affect your Vitamin B6 status, and practical, evidence-informed steps you can consider to support healthy B6 levels through diet, lifestyle, and — when appropriate — supplementation. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or medical care.

How NBPF3 and rs4654748 relate to Vitamin B6

The NBPF3 gene appears to influence how efficiently Vitamin B6 is cleared from the bloodstream. The rs4654748 variant has two common alleles. One allele is associated with faster clearance and slightly lower circulating Vitamin B6 concentrations. Having one or two copies of that effect allele increases the chance your blood levels will be lower compared to people without the allele. This genetic predisposition does not guarantee deficiency but indicates you may benefit from paying closer attention to intake and monitoring if clinically warranted.

2 effect alleles (CC) — higher likelihood of lower Vitamin B6 levels

If you have the CC genotype at rs4654748, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with faster Vitamin B6 clearance and a higher probability of reduced blood concentrations of this vitamin. That does not automatically mean you are deficient, but it suggests a genetic tendency toward lower B6 levels.

What to consider:

  • Prioritize B6-rich foods daily: poultry, fish (salmon, tuna), potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, fortified cereals, eggs, dairy, and certain vegetables like spinach and bell peppers.
  • Discuss testing: Ask your provider whether measuring plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate (active B6) or a standard micronutrient panel is appropriate, especially if you have symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, neuropathy, or anemia.
  • Supplement caution: If testing shows low levels or your clinician recommends it, a supplement containing pyridoxine or pyridoxal 5-phosphate may be used short term. Avoid high-dose B6 without medical supervision because excessive intake can cause sensory neuropathy.
  • Lifestyle supports: Maintain balanced protein intake, regular meals, and address alcohol intake since heavy alcohol use can reduce B6 status.
1 effect allele (CT) — slight tendency toward lower Vitamin B6

If you have the CT genotype at rs4654748, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant is linked to a modest reduction in circulating Vitamin B6. Most people with this genotype maintain adequate levels with a balanced diet, but you may want to be mindful of intake and consider monitoring if you have other risk factors for low B6.

What to consider:

  • Eating an array of B6 sources: Include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, fortified cereals, nuts, and dairy across the week.
  • Watch combined risk factors: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, certain medications, restricted diets, or digestive disorders can increase risk for low B6. Review your medical history with your clinician.
  • Check symptoms and testing: If you notice symptoms like unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or numbness and tingling, discuss testing with your healthcare provider.
  • Safe supplementation: If advised by your clinician, a low-dose B6 supplement may help. Discuss appropriate form and dose; many over-the-counter multivitamins contain safe amounts of B6 for routine support.
0 effect alleles (TT) — typical Vitamin B6 metabolism

If you have the TT genotype at rs4654748, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with typical Vitamin B6 clearance and usual circulating levels. Your genetic profile does not indicate an increased tendency to lower B6 levels.

What to consider:

  • Maintain a balanced diet: Continue to eat a variety of B6-rich foods such as poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, fortified cereals, eggs, and dairy.
  • Routine monitoring only if needed: Testing is usually not necessary unless symptoms or medical conditions suggest deficiency.
  • Mindful supplements: If you take a multivitamin, the B6 amount is typically well within safe ranges. Only consider higher-dose B6 under medical supervision.

Dietary recommendations

  • Include a mix of animal and plant sources to meet B6 needs: lean poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, bananas, fortified cereals, nuts, and seeds.
  • Balanced meals help absorption: Pair protein-rich foods with whole grains and vegetables for stable blood sugar and nutrient synergy.
  • For people following vegetarian or vegan diets: Emphasize legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fortified products to reach adequate B6 intake.

Supplement guidance and safety

  • Consider supplements only when diet and clinical testing indicate a need, or when recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Common supplemental forms are pyridoxine hydrochloride and pyridoxal 5-phosphate. Your clinician can advise which is most appropriate.
  • Avoid long-term high-dose Vitamin B6 without medical oversight. Chronic excess can cause sensory neuropathy marked by numbness and tingling.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Limit heavy alcohol intake because alcohol interferes with Vitamin B6 metabolism.
  • Manage chronic health conditions and review medications that may affect B6 status with your clinician.
  • If you have symptoms such as persistent fatigue, mood changes, anemia, or peripheral neuropathy, discuss testing for active B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate) or a comprehensive micronutrient panel with your healthcare provider.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

Consult your clinician if you have symptoms that could relate to low Vitamin B6, if you take medications that affect vitamin status, or before starting a supplement, especially at doses higher than those found in standard multivitamins. Your provider can interpret genetic findings in the context of your overall health, order appropriate tests, and recommend personalized interventions.

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand predispositions. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making healthcare decisions.