MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vitamin B6

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Vitamin B6

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Function	Food Sources Side Effects Recommendations

Illustrations

Vitamin B6 benefit

Vitamin B6 source

Alternative names Return to top

Pyridoxine; Deficiency - vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Definition Return to top

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex.

Function Return to top

Vitamin B6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system, which are needed to fight many diseases. It helps maintain normal nerve function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also required for the chemical reactions needed to digest proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B6.

Food Sources Return to top

Vitamin B6 is found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.

Side Effects Return to top

Large doses of vitamin B6 can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause mouth and tongue sores, irritability, confusion, and depression. (Vitamin B6 deficiency is not common in the United States.)

Recommendations Return to top

The average diet supplies adequate quantities of vitamin B6.

Update Date: 1/18/2003

Updated by: Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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