Effect of vitamin B6 and B1 deficiencies on the intestinal uptake of calcium, zinc and cadmium.

A chronic vitamin B6 deficiency in rats resulted in a non-specific increase (44- 51%) in the in vitro intestinal uptake of both essential (Ca and Zn) and non-essential toxic metal (Cd) ions, whereas an acute B6-deficient state only affected the Zn uptake rate. In vitamin B1-deficient animals, a specific decrease (30-32%) was observed in Ca and Zn uptake with a 59% increase in the intestinal uptake of Cd. These altered metal ion uptake rates were probably not a result of hormonal disturbances due to the vitamin-deficient states.