What Is Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)?Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is one of eight B vitamins.It helps the body convert food into fuel, metabolize fats and proteins, maintain proper functioning of nerves, and produce red blood cells.Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, is added to foods, and is available as a dietary supplement.The vitamin is used to treat and prevent a vitamin B6 deficiency, which can result from certain medicines, medical conditions, or a poor diet.The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 depends on your age and sex.It ranges from 0.1 milligram (mg) for 6-month-old infants, 1.5 mg for women over 50, and 1.7 mg for men over 50.During pregnancy, the recommended RDA is 1.9 mg, and 2.0 mg during lactation.Vitamin B6 is water-soluble, which means the body doesn't store it.Vitamin B6 DeficiencyA serious vitamin B6 deficiency is relatively uncommon in the United States, but it is more likely in children and the elderly.People with certain conditions also have a higher risk of vitamin B6 deficiency, including those who have:Alcohol dependenceKidney diseaseAutoimmune diseaseCeliac diseaseHyperthyroidismSome medications may lead to vitamin B6 deficiency as well, including:Pyridoxine-inactivating drugs (such as anticonvulsants)Certain antibiotics (such as isoniazid and cycloserine for tuberculosis)Hydralazine (Apresoline), a vasodilator that expands blood vessels and lowers blood pressureCorticosteroids, used to treat autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
, allergies, and asthmaPenicillamine, a chelating agent used to remove copper and other substances from the body, and sometimes for severe rheumatoid arthritisSymptoms of a serious deficiency can include nervousness, irritability, weakness, depression, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss.Other Uses for Vitamin B6While vitamin B6 is typically taken to treat a deficiency, it's also used for other purposes.Some early research and anecdotal reports have shown the vitamin may play a role in:Treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancyLowering heart disease risksTreating seizures in infantsPreventing age-related macular degenerationReducing symptoms of depressionTreating a certain type of anemiaImproving premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptomsTreating carpal tunnel symptomsPreventing kidney stonesHelping behavioral disorders in kidsPreventing certain types of cancerTreating acne or other skin conditionsImproving memory and cognitive function in older adultsTreating rheumatoid arthritisImproving symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder)However
, much more research is needed to confirm whether vitamin B6 can treat or prevent these conditions.Vitamin B6 FoodsMany foods are good sources of vitamin B6. Some of these include:ChickenTurkeyTunaShrimpSalmonBeef liverMilkCheeseLentilsBeansBananasSpinachCarrotsBrown riceSunflower seedsBranWheat germWhole-grain flourVitamin B6 WarningsYou shouldn't take a dose above 100 milligrams (mg) a day without talking to your healthcare provider.Very large doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage or other neurological disorders.Although rare, there have been some reports of allergic skin reactions to high doses of vitamin B6 supplements.Always talk to your doctor before taking a supplement such as vitamin B6. Talk to a pediatrician before giving your child this vitamin.Pregnancy and Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 is a pregnancy category A drug, which means it's not likely to harm an unborn baby.However, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this supplement.
The vitamin can also be used while breastfeeding, but you should talk to your doctor first. You shouldn't take high doses of vitamin B6 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.Back to TopVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Side EffectsCommon Side Effects of Vitamin B6Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:SleepinessHeadacheUpset stomachLoss of appetiteSensitivity to sunlightTingling, burning, or prickling sensation in the hands and feetSerious Side Effects of Vitamin B6In very high doses, vitamin B6 can lead to neurological disorders that cause loss of feelings in the legs or balance problems.However, stopping the high doses usually leads to a complete recovery.Back to TopVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) InteractionsTell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet)PhenobarbitalAntibioticsChemotherapy drugsAntidepressants, including nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and imipramine (Tofranil)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)Phenytoin (Dilantin)Theophylline (Theo-Dur)Hydralazine (Apresoline)IsoniazidPenicillamineCycloserine (Seromycin)Erythropoietin (EPO)Amiodarone (Cordarone)Other vitaminsVitamin B6 and Other InteractionsTaking vitamin B6 supplements may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you plan to be outdoors.Back to TopVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) DosageVitamin B6 comes as a regular and extended-release tablet that's usually taken once a day.Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or cut them.This vitamin may also be given as an injection.You should follow the instructions on your product label carefully. Don't take more or less of the vitamin than is recommended.Vitamin B6 OverdoseIf you suspect an overdose, contact a poison-control center or emergency room immediately.You can contact a poison-control center at (800) 222-1222.Missed Dose of Vitamin B6If you miss a dose of vitamin B6, take it as soon as you remember.However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.You shouldn't double-up on doses to make up for a missed one.Back to TopBy Lynn Marks | Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDLatest Update: 2015-04-13This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.