- Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin of the B-complex. It refers to a group of closely related compounds.
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- name of the term : Vitamin B6
Short introduction
Main natural sources
- Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), poultry, beef liver, organ meats, lentils, avocados, bananas.
Main function
- As a component of coenzymes(helper enzymes) involved in processes such as protein, fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism, haemoglobin and amino acid synthesis (production).
- Essential for releasing glucose from stored glycogen, gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that communicates information throughout the brain and body)
- Involved in immune system functioning, production of hormones and the conversion of tryptophan (amino acid) into the vitamin niacin.
Deficiency disease
- A deficiency is relatively uncommon and often occurs in association with deficiency of other vitamins of the B-complex (e.g. B2).
- Elderly people, alcoholics and pregnant and lactating women have an increased risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.
Recommended daily intake
Latest Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
Institute of Medicine (IOM)Age category Per day Pregnancy
Lactation1.9 mg (RDA)
2.0 mg (RDA)Infants 6 – 12 months 0.3 mg (AI) Children 1 – 3 years
4 – 8 years0.5 mg (RDA)
0.6 mg (RDA)Males 9 – 13 years
14 – 18 years
19 – 30 years
31 – 50 years
50 – 70 years
> 70 years1.0 mg (RDA)
1.3 mg (RDA)
1.3 mg (RDA)
1.3 mg (RDA)
1.7 mg (RDA)
1.7 mg (RDA)Females 9 – 13 years
14 – 18 years
19 – 30 years
31 – 50 years
50 – 70 years
> 70 years1.0 mg (RDA)
1.2 mg (RDA)
1.3 mg (RDA)
1.3 mg (RDA)
1.5 mg (RDA)
1.5 mg (RDA)AI = Adequate Intake.
RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance.- Synonyms : Pyridoxine, B6
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