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Fact Sheet: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

In this article:

Overview

Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme involved in more than 150 biochemical reactions in the body, primarily related to metabolism.1Stach K, Stach W, Augoff K. Vitamin B6 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3229. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467949 A crucial part of the B complex, vitamin B6 helps support steady homocysteine levels, benefiting heart health. It is essential for immune function, mood regulation, and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. As a dietary supplement, B6 is commonly available as pyridoxine.

Uses

Adequate levels of vitamin B6 help facilitate and maintain these physiological processes:

  • Producing hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in red blood cells, delivering it throughout the body and reducing the risk of anemia
  • Making antibodies that fight viruses, infections, and other illnesses
  • Supporting DNA and RNA production and function
  • Metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
  • Producing and protecting neurotransmitter function (serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], epinephrine)
  • Keeping blood glucose within a normal range
  • Maintaining healthy nerve function2Baltrusch S. The role of neurotropic B vitamins in nerve regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:9968228. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/996822
  • Balancing sodium and potassium
  • Supporting melatonin production3Lemoine P, Bablon JC, Da Silva C. A combination of melatonin, vitamin B6 and medicinal plants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia: A prospective pilot study. Complement Ther Med. 2019;45:104-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.024
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Benefits

Cranky baby cries on bed

Vitamin B6 is effective in preventing and treating B6 deficiency. A person lacking B6 may have a rash, cracked, dry lips, a swollen tongue, anemia, depression, confusion, and trouble fighting off illness. In babies, a lack of B6 can manifest as irritability, hearing issues, and even seizures.

B6 is a versatile vitamin with benefits for a wide range of conditions:

  • Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (when combined with folate and vitamin B12)4Huang J, Khatun P, Xiong Y, Liu B, Zhao Y, Lyu Q. Intakes of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 and cardiovascular disease risk: a national population-based cross-sectional study. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023;10:1237103. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2023.1237103
  • Balancing mood
  • Reducing the risk of cognitive decline
  • Relieving premenstrual syndrome symptoms5Kashanian M, Mazinani R, Jalalmanesh S. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) therapy for premenstrual syndrome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2007 Jan;96(1):43-44. https://sprucespa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PMS-Vitamin-B6-b.pdf
  • Alleviating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy6Vutyavanich T, Wongtra-ngan S, Ruangsri R. Pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995;173(3 Pt 1):881-884. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(95)90359-3
  • Regulating sleep cycles through melatonin production3Lemoine P, Bablon JC, Da Silva C. A combination of melatonin, vitamin B6 and medicinal plants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia: A prospective pilot study. Complement Ther Med. 2019;45:104-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.024

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

Here’s the data presented in a table format:

Age/StatusRDA (mg)
1–30.5 mg
4–80.6 mg
9–131 mg
14–18 (girls)1.2 mg
14–18 (boys)1.3 mg
19–501.3 mg
51+ (women)1.5 mg
51+ (men)1.7 mg
Pregnant1.9 mg
Lactating2 mg
RDA: Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes and Its Panel on Folate, Other B Vitamins, and Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1998. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114310/ doi: 10.17226/6015

Side Effects

There are no known side effects of vitamin B6 intake at recommended doses; however, taking large amounts can cause multiple symptoms:

  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Excessive thirst
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Skin lesions

In extreme cases, B6 toxicity may lead to nerve damage, causing pain or numbness in the hands and feet, sensory changes, and difficulty controlling movements.7Muhamad R, Akrivaki A, Papagiannopoulou G, Zavridis P, Zis P. The role of vitamin B6 in peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):2823. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu1513282

Interactions

Several medications can deplete vitamin B6 levels, including some antiepileptic drugs, theophylline (prescribed for breathing difficulties), and cycloserine, a broad-spectrum antibiotic.9Jung JW, Park SY, Kim H. Drug-induced vitamin deficiency. Ann Clin Nutr Metab. 2022;14(1):20-31. https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2022.14.1.20 Additionally, certain antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (used to treat panic disorder, social phobia, and atypical depression), can reduce blood levels of B6. Interactions are also possible with medicines for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease, and vitamin B6 may interfere with chemotherapy. People taking prescription medications should consult their doctor about the potential for vitamin B6 deficiency and a regimen of supplemental vitamin B6.

Food Sources

Grilled fish and vegetables on plate

Poultry, fish, organ meat, potatoes, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits are rich sources of B6. Some people, such as those with autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, or alcohol dependence, have trouble getting enough vitamin B6 from diet alone.9Jung JW, Park SY, Kim H. Drug-induced vitamin deficiency. Ann Clin Nutr Metab. 2022;14(1):20-31. https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2022.14.1.20 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 percent of the U.S. population could have symptomatic or marginal vitamin B6 deficiency, making it one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.

Footnotes

This article is provided by

The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine, with its person-centered principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness overwhelming healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain optimal lifelong health. INM strives to fulfil this mission through the following initiatives:

  • Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
  • Access – Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
  • Research – Expand quality research on this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

About The Author(s)

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Supported by a rigorous fact-checking and medical editing process from licensed naturopathic doctors that examines the latest in peer-reviewed research, our team brings their in-depth knowledge of natural health practices into every piece of content we produce. We strive to be the gold standard for evidence-based natural medicine, providing trustworthy information and inspiring narratives to help you live your best health, naturally.

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