Vitamin B6

vitamin

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a vital water-soluble vitamin acting as a coenzyme in more than 100 reactions, mainly related to the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis, assisting the body in converting food into usable energy. In addition to metabolic functions, this vitamin is necessary for healthy brain development and function. It contributes to the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which help regulate mood and cognitive processes. It also supports immune function and the formation of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Adequate intake is important for maintaining nervous system health and regulating homocysteine levels, which is a factor in cardiovascular wellness. It may also help alleviate specific concerns such as symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and nausea during pregnancy.

Natural sources
ChickpeasSalmonChicken breastPotatoesBananasFortified cerealsPorkTurkeyBeef liverSweet potatoesSpinachCarrots

Ingredient forms

No public comparison lists found.

Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Other B vitamins, Magnesium, or Zinc for synergistic benefits.
This vitamin is best taken with food to help optimize absorption and reduce the possibility of minor stomach discomfort.
Daily Intake
RDA (Men)1 mg
RDA (Women)1 mg
RDI2 mg
Optimal Dosage
Minimum10 mg
Maximum25 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Upper Limit (UL)100 mg
Toxicity Threshold200 mg
Toxicity Effectsensory neuropathy
3 safety notes
  • Do not exceed recommended doses, as very high intake can lead to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities.
  • Individuals with kidney disease should consult a healthcare professional before supplementing with high doses.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking supplements.
Goals
Brain Health
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:10–50 mg
Vitamin B6 is required for over 100 enzyme reactions in the body, including the critical final step in synthesizing important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Adequate B6 levels are essential for maintaining proper neurological function, emotional balance, and cognitive processing.

Study evidence

29 studies

Vitamin B6 supports normal brain function, and low levels are associated with poorer cognition in some populations. However, the supplied evidence does not establish that B6 supplements alone improve memory or prevent dementia; favorable findings often concern vitamin combinations or changes in nutritional status.

View goal
Cognitive Support
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:1.3–50 mg
Vitamin B6 is essential for converting precursor amino acids into the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, focus, and arousal. It also works with B12 and Folate to maintain healthy homocysteine levels, protecting against neurotoxicity and supporting long-term brain health.

Study evidence

17 studies

Lower vitamin B6 status is associated with poorer cognition and greater cognitive decline, but this does not prove that supplements improve thinking. Treatment studies are mixed, and favorable findings in specific populations or with combined B vitamins do not establish a general benefit from B6 alone.

View goal
Detoxification
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:10–100 mg
Vitamin B6 (along with Folate and B12) is required for homocysteine metabolism, a process linked to both methylation and the production of cysteine for glutathione. Adequate B6 ensures these vital liver pathways run efficiently to neutralize hormones and toxins.

Study evidence

No published studies for this goal yet.

View goal
Mental Focus
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:10–50 mg
Vitamin B6 (as P-5-P) is required for the conversion of amino acid precursors (like L-Tyrosine) into neurotransmitters that govern alertness, motivation, and concentration. Without adequate B6, the brain cannot efficiently produce these essential chemicals, leading to impaired focus and mental fatigue.

Study evidence

6 studies

Vitamin B6 has not consistently improved mental focus when tested on its own. Some research reports memory benefits or better performance with nutrient blends, but these findings do not establish that a standalone B6 supplement improves everyday attention or concentration.

View goal
Metabolism Boost
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:1.7–50 mg
Vitamin B6, in its active P-5-P form, is a critical cofactor for over 100 enzyme reactions, including the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose for energy (glycogenolysis) and the metabolism of amino acids. Ensuring adequate B6 is foundational for efficient energy conversion from stored fuels and dietary protein.

Study evidence

16 studies

Vitamin B6 helps normal nutrient metabolism, but the supplied evidence does not show that taking extra B6 speeds calorie burning or produces a general metabolism boost. Benefits in selected deficiency-related problems should not be confused with enhanced metabolism in people whose B6 status is adequate.

View goal
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:10–50 mg
Vitamin B6, in its active P-5-P form, is an essential cofactor for enzymes converting 5-HTP to serotonin and L-DOPA to dopamine. Its role in the methylation cycle alongside B12 and folate makes it foundational for emotional well-being.

Study evidence

19 studies

Vitamin B6 shows preliminary promise for reducing depressive symptoms in selected groups, while low B6 status is associated with poorer mood. Supplement trials are inconsistent, and the evidence does not establish a general mood benefit for people whose B6 levels are already adequate.

View goal
Showing 6 of 13 goals

Studies

Research connections will load here.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. Vitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Zhang C; Luo J; Yuan C; Ding D · Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2021
    Meta-analysis21 studies pooledBrain Health
  2. Relationship between serum pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentration and cognitive function in older Japanese.
    Itoh K; Kuwabara A; Otsuka R; Sugimoto T; Sakurai T; Niida S; Ao M; Tanaka K; Takenaka S; Kanouchi H · Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition · 2025
    Cross-sectional study266 participantsBrain Health
  3. A randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pyridoxine and ascorbic acid on cognitive function and quality of life in post-menopausal women.
    Dhivya K; Sarumathy S; Manigandan G · Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial180 participantsBrain Health
  4. Lower Plasma Vitamin B-6 is Associated with 2-Year Cognitive Decline in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.
    Palacios N; Scott T; Sahasrabudhe N; Gao X; Tucker KL · The Journal of nutrition · 2020
    Cohort study949 participantsCognitive SupportBrain Health
  5. Are Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals Effective for Musculoskeletal Health and Cognitive Function? A Scoping Review.
    Iolascon G; Gimigliano R; Bianco M; De Sire A; Moretti A; Giusti A; Malavolta N; Migliaccio S; Migliore A; Napoli N; Piscitelli P; Resmini G; Tarantino U; Gimigliano F · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 2017
    Scoping review12 studies pooledBrain Health
  6. Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Vitamin B6 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Male Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.
    Zhuo C; Xu Y; Wang H; Fang T; Chen J; Zhou C; Li Q; Liu J; Xu S; Yao C; Yang W; Yang A; Li B; Chen Y; Tian H; Lin C · Frontiers in psychiatry · 2021
    Randomized trial200 participantsCognitive Support
  7. Associations between dietary B vitamin intakes and cognitive function among elderly individuals: An observational study.
    Chen Q; Huang J; Shi X; Peng Y; Chen A; Huang L; Zhang Y; Chen X · Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) · 2025
    Cross-sectional study2,716 participantsCognitive Support
  8. Lower water-soluble vitamins and higher homocysteine are associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
    Zhang C; Hu Y; Cao X; Deng Y; Wang Y; Guan M; Wu X; Jiang H · Scientific reports · 2025
    Cohort study926 participantsCognitive Support
  9. Associations of one-carbon metabolism, related B-vitamins and ApoE genotype with cognitive function in older adults: identification of a novel gene-nutrient interaction.
    Gordon S; Hoey L; McNulty H; Keenan J; Pangilinan F; Brody LC; Ward M; Strain JJ; McAnena L; McCann A; Molloy AM; Cunningham C; McCarroll K; Hughes CF · BMC medicine · 2025
    Observational study4,553 participantsCognitive Support
  10. Vitamin B-6 supplementation in elderly men: effects on mood, memory, performance and mental effort.
    Deijen JB; van der Beek EJ; Orlebeke JF; van den Berg H · Psychopharmacology · 1995
    Randomized trial76 participantsMental Focus
  11. The effect of vitamin B6 on cognition.
    Malouf R; Grimley Evans J · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2004
    Systematic review109 participants2 studies pooledMental Focus
  12. Antiemetic use during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment: population-based birth cohort study.
    Cho Y; Choi EY; Han JY; Kim H; Choe YJ; Shin JY · BMC medicine · 2025
    Cohort study630,904 participantsMental Focus
  13. A nutritional blend of taurine, vitamins B6, B9, and B12 improves motivated behaviors in healthy adults-a double-blinded randomized clinical trial.
    Anlacan VM; Jamora RDG; Krattinger LF; De Longis E; Hartweg M; Steinmann M; Trovò L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2026
    Randomized trial44 participantsMental FocusProductivity Boost
  14. B-Vitamin Therapy for Kidney Transplant Recipients Lowers Homocysteine and Improves Selective Cognitive Outcomes in the Randomized FAVORIT Ancillary Cognitive Trial
    Tammy M Scott, Graham Rogers, Daniel E Weiner, Kathryn Livingston, Jacob Selhub, Paul F Jacques, Irwin H Rosenberg, Aron M Troen · The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease · 2017
    Randomized trial584 participantsMental Focus
  15. Plasma vitamin B6 vitamers before and after oral vitamin B6 treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
    Bor MV; Refsum H; Bisp MR; Bleie Ø; Schneede J; Nordrehaug JE; Ueland PM; Nygard OK; Nexø E · Clinical chemistry · 2003
    Randomized trial90 participantsMetabolism Boost
  16. Dietary one-carbon metabolism nutrients and risk of MASLD progression: a prospective cohort study.
    Shen L; Wang K; Li R; Li Y; Guo Y; Li F; Yuan J; Yang Z; Xia B; Lin X · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2026
    Cohort study46,800 participantsMetabolism Boost
  17. Associations of Vitamin B6 Intake and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2003-2004.
    Kim H; Enrione EB; Narayanan V; Li T; Campa A · Nutrients · 2022
    Cross-sectional study461 participantsMetabolism Boost
  18. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Adams PW; Wynn V; Folkard J; Seed M · Lancet (London, England) · 1976
    Clinical trial46 participantsMetabolism Boost
  19. Effect of oral contraceptives and vitamin B6 deficiency on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Rose DP; Leklem JE; Brown RR; Linkswiler HM · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1975
    Clinical trialMetabolism Boost
  20. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support
  21. Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Khodadad M; Bahadoran P; Kheirabadi GR; Sabzghabaee AM · International journal of preventive medicine · 2022
    Randomized trial81 participantsMood SupportStress Relief
  22. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.
    Lu J; Mao H; Tan Y; Luo G · Brain and behavior · 2024
    Cross-sectional study24,683 participantsMood Support
  23. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults.
    Wu Y; Li S; Wang W; Zhang D · International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition · 2023
    Observational study17,732 participantsMood Support
  24. Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection.
    Shor-Posner G; Feaster D; Blaney NT; Rocca H; Mantero-Atienza E; Szapocznik J; Eisdorfer C; Goodkin K; Baum MK · International journal of psychiatry in medicine · 1995
    Cohort study88 participantsMood Support
  25. Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 Intakes and Cognitive Performance in Elders: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014.
    Xu H; Wang S; Gao F; Li C · Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment · 2022
    Cross-sectional study2,421 participantsProductivity Boost
  26. Effect of megavitamin treatment on mental performance and plasma vitamin B6 concentrations in mentally retarded young adults.
    Coburn SP; Schaltenbrand WE; Mahuren JD; Clausman RJ; Townsend D · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1983
    Non-randomized trialProductivity Boost
  27. Identifying Key Predictors of Cognitive Dysfunction in Older People Using Supervised Machine Learning Techniques: Observational Study.
    Rankin D; Black M; Flanagan B; Hughes CF; Moore A; Hoey L; Wallace J; Gill C; Carlin P; Molloy AM; Cunningham C; McNulty H · JMIR medical informatics · 2024
    Cohort studyProductivity Boost
  28. Inappropriate nutrients intake is associated with lower functional status and inferior quality of life in older adults with depression.
    Guligowska A; Pigłowska M; Fife E; Kostka J; Sołtysik BK; Kroc Ł; Kostka T · Clinical interventions in aging · 2017
    Case-control study49 participantsProductivity Boost
  29. Association between serum pyridoxal 5'-phosphate levels and all-cause, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular disease in adults: a population-based cohort study.
    Xuan C; Liu RH; Zhao C; Li J; Zhou TT; Tian QW; He GW · Therapeutic advances in chronic disease · 2024
    Cohort studyCardiovascular Support
  30. Folate and vitamin B6 rapidly normalize endothelial dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
    MacKenzie KE; Wiltshire EJ; Gent R; Hirte C; Piotto L; Couper JJ · Pediatrics · 2006
    Randomized trial124 participantsCardiovascular Support
  31. Pyridoxine improves endothelial function in cardiac transplant recipients.
    Miner SE; Cole DE; Evrovski J; Forrest Q; Hutchison S; Holmes K; Ross HJ · The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation · 2001
    Randomized trial31 participantsCardiovascular Support
  32. Folate and vitamin B6 from diet and supplements in relation to risk of coronary heart disease among women.
    Rimm EB; Willett WC; Hu FB; Sampson L; Colditz GA; Manson JE; Hennekens C; Stampfer MJ · JAMA · 1998
    Cohort study80,082 participantsHeart HealthCardiovascular Support
  33. Efficacy and safety of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (MC-1) in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: the MEND-CABG II randomized clinical trial.
    MEND-CABG II Investigators; Alexander JH; Emery RW; Carrier M; Ellis SJ; Mehta RH; Hasselblad V; Menasche P; Khalil A; Cote R; Bennett-Guerrero E; Mack MJ; Schuler G; Harrington RA; Tardif JC · JAMA · 2008
    Randomized trial3,023 participantsCardiovascular Support
  34. Intake of vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 and risk of coronary heart disease: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
    Jayedi A; Zargar MS · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2020
    Meta-analysis369,746 participants11 studies pooledHeart Health
  35. Intake of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and the risk of CHD: the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study Cohort I.
    Ishihara J; Iso H; Inoue M; Iwasaki M; Okada K; Kita Y; Kokubo Y; Okayama A; Tsugane S; JPHC Study Group · Journal of the American College of Nutrition · 2008
    Cohort study40,803 participantsHeart Health
  36. The effect of B-vitamins on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Miao Y; Guo Y; Chen Y; Lin Y; Lu Y; Guo Q · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysisHeart Health
  37. Folate and vitamin B(6) intake and risk of acute myocardial infarction in Italy.
    Tavani A; Pelucchi C; Parpinel M; Negri E; La Vecchia C · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2005
    Case-control study985 participantsHeart Health
  38. Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
    Noah L; Dye L; Bois De Fer B; Mazur A; Pickering G; Pouteau E · Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress · 2021
    Randomized trialStress Relief
  39. RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF VITAMIN B 6 IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS.
    Wang Y; Lu WL; Feng WM; Xu W; Liu LH; He LM · Shock (Augusta, Ga.) · 2024
    Randomized trial128 participantsStress Relief
  40. Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial.
    Pouteau E; Kabir-Ahmadi M; Noah L; Mazur A; Dye L; Hellhammer J; Pickering G; Dubray C · PloS one · 2019
    Randomized trial264 participantsStress Relief
  41. Associations between dietary intake of B-vitamins and psychological disorders among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study.
    Mozaffari H; Darooghegi Mofrad M; Surkan PJ; Askari M; Azadbakht L · Public health nutrition · 2021
    Cross-sectional study447 participantsStress Relief
  42. The Effects of the AGE Inhibitor Pyridoxamine on Bone in Older Women With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Brossfield AV; McMahon DJ; Fernando J; Omeragic B; Majeed R; Agarwal S; Sroga GE; Wang B; Vashishth D; Rubin MR · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2025
    Randomized trial55 participantsBone Health
  43. Dietary B vitamin intake and risk of hip fracture: the Singapore Chinese Health Study.
    Dai Z; Wang R; Ang LW; Yuan JM; Koh WP · Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA · 2014
    Cohort study63,257 participantsBone Health
  44. Hip fracture patients may be vitamin B6 deficient. Controlled study of serum pyridoxal-5'-phosphate.
    Reynolds TM; Marshall PD; Brain AM · Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica · 1993
    Case-control study103 participantsBone Health
  45. Degree of mineralization-related collagen crosslinking in the femoral neck cancellous bone in cases of hip fracture and controls.
    Saito M; Fujii K; Marumo K · Calcified tissue international · 2006
    Case-control study50 participantsBone Health
  46. Adequate Intake and Supplementation of B Vitamins, in Particular Folic Acid, can Play a Protective Role in Bone Health.
    Rondanelli M; Tartara A; Fossari F; Vecchio V; Faliva MA; Naso M; Perna S; Nichetti M; Peroni G · Current aging science · 2022
    Narrative review35,298 participants29 studies pooledBone Health
  47. Efficacy of vitamins B1 and B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in bipolar-I disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
    Zandifar A; Mousavi S; Schmidt NB; Badrfam R; Seif E; Qorbani M; Mehrabani Natanzi M · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Randomized trial66 participantsSleep Support
  48. Therapeutic effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Jadidi A; Rezaei Ashtiani A; Khanmohamadi Hezaveh A; Aghaepour SM · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2023
    Randomized trial75 participantsSleep Support
  49. Effects of poly-gamma-glutamic acid and vitamin B6 supplements on sleep status: a randomized intervention study.
    García-García C; Baik I · Nutrition research and practice · 2022
    Randomized trial47 participantsSleep Support
  50. Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep.
    Adventure-Heart DJ; Madden NA; Delfabbro P · Perceptual and motor skills · 2018
    Randomized trial100 participantsSleep Support
  51. The effect of pyridoxine administration on melatonin secretion in normal men.
    Luboshitzky R; Ophir U; Nave R; Epstein R; Shen-Orr Z; Herer P · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2003
    Randomized trial12 participantsSleep Support