The Institute for Optimum Nutrition
Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids—the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. Vitamin B6 helps to make and take apart many amino acids and is also needed to make the hormones, serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.
Potatoes, bananas, raisin bran cereal, lentils, liver, turkey, and tuna are all good sources of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Anemia (if deficient and for genetic vitamin B6-responsive anemia) Depression (in women taking oral contraceptives) High homocysteine (in combination with folic acid and vitamin B12) |
 |
Childhood intelligence (for deficiency) Depression (associated with premenstrual syndrome) Low back pain (in combination with vitamin B1 and vitamin B12) Pregnancy and postpartum support (if homocysteine levels are elevated) |
 |
Alzheimer’s disease (in combination with iron and coenzyme Q10) Eating disorders (for bulimia) Osgood-Schlatter disease (in combination with manganese and zinc) Osteoporosis (to lower homocysteine) Parkinson’s disease (with Sinemet® or Eldepryl®) |
| Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
|
Vitamin B6 deficiencies are thought to be very rare. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives. Some doctors believe that most diets do not provide optimal amounts of this vitamin. People with kidney failure have an increased risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.1 Vitamin B6 has also been reported to be deficient in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome.2
The most common supplemental intake is 10–25 mg per day. However, high amounts (100–200 mg per day or even more) may be recommended for certain conditions.
Vitamin B6 is usually safe, at intakes up to 200 mg per day in adults.3 However, neurological side effects can sometimes occur at that level.4 Levels higher than 200 mg are more likely to cause such problems. Vitamin B6 toxicity can damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking. The National Academy of Sciences performed an analysis of vitamin B6 studies. They determined the safe upper limit for long-term use is 100 mg per day. However, under supervision of a healthcare professional, up to 200 mg per day of vitamin B6 can be safely taken by most men and nonpregnant women for limited periods of time. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 per day without a doctor’s supervision.
Since vitamin B6 increases the bioavailability of magnesium, these nutrients are sometimes taken together.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B6. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
* General Disclaimer - Information and advice provided by The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone suffering from a condition that requires medical attention or has symptoms that concerns them, should consult a qualified medical practitioner.ION and its staff shall not be held responsible for any claims relating to illness or ailments that are deemed to have arisen as a consequence of reading any part, or all of the content provided on this website. The content is provided for general use and may be unsuitable for people suffering from conditions, diagnosed or otherwise. The Institute for Optimum
Nutrition is an independent educational charity, registered charity number 1013084.
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