What is vitamin B6 good for? The effects of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in metabolic processes and hemoglobin formation. It may help with nausea during pregnancy, improve depression, and prevent cognitive decline.
An estimated 10% of people living in the United States have a vitamin B6 deficiency, and you may not even know that you are among them.
This vitamin plays an important role in more than 100 enzyme reactions and healthy hemoglobin formation. Severe health consequences, such as nerve pain and a weakened immune system, can result from not having enough in the body.
The body does not naturally produce vitamin B6, so it is essential to consume it in foods such as chicken, pork, and bananas, or in supplement form.
If you take oral supplements to increase your vitamin B6 levels, it is important to avoid excessive amounts to prevent side effects and damage to the nervous system.
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as pyridoxine.
Comes from a reliable source:
- hemoglobin formation
- the production of energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
- immune system function
- fetal and infant brain development
- creating neurotransmitters
Vitamin B6 may help:
- reduces depression and improves mood
- prevents cognitive decline
- relieves nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- improves premenstrual syndrome symptoms
- reduces the risk of heart disease
- promotes eye health and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration
Remember that even if you think additional vitamin B6 may improve your emotional, cognitive, or physical health, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and take your overall health needs into account.
What foods contain vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, including:
- pork
- chicken and turkey
- soybeans
- peanuts
- oats
- wheat germ
- bananas
- milk
- some fortified breakfast cereals
Are vitamin B6 supplements effective?
Many people can get enough vitamin B6 through the foods they eat.
But if you eat only a plant-based diet or have certain health conditions, it may be harder to get the necessary daily amount of vitamin B6 from food alone.
28–36% of people living in the United States take an oral dietary supplement containing vitamin B6. Those aged 51 and older, as well as children younger than 9, use them most often.
Oral vitamin B6 supplements may offer a way to increase vitamin B6 levels in the body.
However, nerve damage, skin rashes, and nausea may occur when vitamin B6 supplement levels are high, so it is important to stay within the recommended upper limits.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency may include:
- skin rashes (also known as seborrheic dermatitis)
- cracked or sore lips
- glossitis (a swollen, smooth, inflamed tongue)
- increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability
- fatigue (low energy)
- a weakened immune system
- pain or tingling in the hands and feet
- seizures
In addition to these physical and emotional symptoms, people with low vitamin B6 levels may be more likely to develop:
- autism
- schizophrenia
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- epilepsy
- Down syndrome
- diabetes
According to a reliable source, some people are more likely to have difficulty getting enough vitamin B6:
- kidney problems
- autoimmune disorders
- alcohol dependence
Who should avoid vitamin B6?
It is important for everyone to avoid excessive amounts of vitamin B6 from supplements. Eating foods rich in vitamin B6 is unlikely to cause serious negative side effects, but experts have observed nerve damage and pain from taking excessive amounts of supplements.
For children under 1 year old, experts recommend that breast milk, formula, or solid foods be the only sources of vitamin B6.
It is also important for people taking a medication known to interact with vitamin B6 to develop a plan with their doctor to ensure they maintain healthy levels of this essential vitamin.
Some medications that may interact with vitamin B6 include:
- cycloserine (an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis)
- certain anti-seizure medications, such as valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenytoin
- theophylline (a medication used to treat shortness of breath, wheezing, and other breathing problems)
Vitamin B6 is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and is involved in more than 100 enzyme reactions. Consuming healthy amounts supports brain, heart, and eye health. It may also help relieve depression and reduce nausea during pregnancy.
If you experience symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency, such as skin rashes, fatigue, or painful tingling in your hands and feet, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may recommend dietary changes and an appropriate amount of vitamin B6 supplements.
Source: www.healthline.com


