American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

A deficiency in which vitamin can inevitably lead to neuropathies?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin B6

3. Vitamin D

4. Vitamin C

The correct answer is: Vitamin B6

A deficiency in vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is directly linked to the development of neuropathies. Vitamin B6 is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system due to its critical role in neurotransmitter synthesis, the metabolism of amino acids, and the formation of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. When levels of vitamin B6 are insufficient, symptoms can manifest as peripheral neuropathy, which may include tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities. This is due to impaired enzyme activity that affects the synthesis of neurotransmitters, disrupting nerve signaling and leading to neuropathic pain and dysfunction. Other vitamins such as A, D, and C do not have the same direct association with neuropathies. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune function, vitamin D is primarily involved in bone health and immune responses, and vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and antioxidant functions. However, they do not exhibit the same relationship with the nervous system and neuropathic conditions as vitamin B6 does.