Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6

Essential vitamin for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.

Part of Vitamin B6 vitamin
Compare all forms

Typical dose

Oral: 1.3-100 mg daily for general supplementati...

Oral Oral safety: low

About this supplement

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in several chemical forms, with pyridoxine being the most common form used in supplements and fortified foods. It functions as a coenzyme in over 100 enzymatic reactions, primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA), hemoglobin formation, and glycogenolysis. The body converts pyridoxine into its active coenzyme forms, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP). It is essential for protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. Deficiency can lead to microcytic anemia, dermatitis, depression, confusion, and weakened immune response.

How much to take

Typical amount
Oral: 1.3-100 mg daily for general supplementation. Higher doses (100-200 mg daily) may be used under medical supervision for specific conditions.
Suggested range
RDA: 1.3-2.0 mg/day for adults (varies by age, gender, pregnancy). Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL): 100 mg/day for adults.

Potential benefits

Benefits linked to this supplement form:

Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Research strength: Very strong

 Homocysteine Metabolism

Research strength: Strong

 Glycogen Breakdown

Research strength: Strong

 Amino Acid Metabolism Support

Research strength: Very strong

 Immune Function Support

Research strength: Strong

 Red Blood Cell Formation

Research strength: Very strong

 Amino Acid & Protein Metabolism

Research strength: Very strong

 Amino Acid Metabolism

Research strength: Very strong

 Hemoglobin Formation

Research strength: Strong

 Nausea Relief in Pregnancy

Research strength: Strong

 Cofactor in Amino Acid Metabolism

Research strength: Very strong

 Hemoglobin Formation and Function

Research strength: Strong

 Potential AGE Inhibition

Research strength: Moderate

 Red Blood Cell Formation & Hemoglobin Synthesis

Research strength: Very strong

 Skin Health (Topical)

Research strength: Moderate

Things to watch for

Possible side effects linked to this form:

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

How serious: low

 Gastrointestinal Distress

How serious: low

 Neuropathy (High Dose)

How serious: high

 Photosensitivity

How serious: low

 Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy

How serious: high

 Sensory Neuropathy

How serious: high

 Neuropathy with High Doses

How serious: high

Health goals

Needs and goals this form may help with:

Other forms of Vitamin B6

Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:

Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (PLP)

Active form of Vitamin B6; essential cofactor for numerous enzymes.
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)

Active form of Vitamin B6; essential for protein metabolism & neurotransmitter s...
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)

Essential B-vitamin; active coenzyme form; supports protein metabolism, cognitiv...
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine 5-phosphate)

Active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6; does not require liver activation.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)

Essential vitamin for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.
Compare all forms in the table
Technical details â–¼

Chemical ID (CAS)

65-23-6 (pyridoxine); 58-56-0 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)

Formula

C8H11NO3 (pyridoxine base); C8H11NO3·HCl (pyridoxine hydrochloride)

Physical properties

White or slightly off-white crystalline powder. Odorless. Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and practically insoluble in ether. Stable in air and heat, but sensitive to light, especially in aqueous solutions.

How it’s made

Primarily produced synthetically via chemical synthesis from various starting materials like oxazoles or through fermentation processes using genetically modified microorganisms. The industrial synthesis often involves the Diels-Alder reaction.