From the Guidelines
The optimal range for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for most adults is 1.3-1.7 mg per day, with a tolerable upper intake level of 100 mg per day. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that the RDA and DRI for ages 14-70 in both sexes is 1.3-1.7 mg/day 1. The needs can reach 2 mg/day in pregnant women.
Key Considerations
- The tolerable upper intake level is set at 100 mg per day for adults, as excessive supplementation (typically above 200 mg daily for extended periods) can cause nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy 1.
- Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and immune health.
- Most people can achieve adequate B6 levels through a balanced diet including poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals.
- Blood tests can measure B6 status, with normal plasma levels typically between 5-50 ng/mL.
- If supplementation is needed, pyridoxine hydrochloride is the common form, best taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce potential stomach upset.
Special Considerations
- Pregnant women should aim for 1.9 mg daily, while breastfeeding women need about 2.0 mg daily.
- In certain medical conditions, such as XLSA, higher doses of pyridoxine (up to 300 mg per day) may be considered, but lifelong maintenance doses should be lowered to 10-100 mg per day to avoid neurotoxicity 1.
Dietary Sources
- Pyridoxine is found in meat, whole grains, and fortified cereals, as well as potatoes 1.
- A balanced diet that includes these food sources can provide adequate vitamin B6 levels.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and Children 18 years and over: 50 mg (1 tablet) daily or as directed by your doctor Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Tablet Amount per Tablet% Daily Value Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine HCL)50 mg2500% The optimal range for vitamin B6 is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels.
- The recommended daily dose for adults is 50 mg, as indicated in the drug labels 2 and 2.
- However, the optimal range for vitamin B6 cannot be determined from the provided information.
From the Research
Optimal Range for Vitamin B6
The optimal range for vitamin B6 intake is a subject of ongoing research, with various studies providing insights into the recommended daily intake.
- The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 ranges between 1.5 and 2.2 mg/d, as stated in the study 3.
- However, the study 3 also suggests that an adequate intake to meet the requirements of virtually the whole population is generally considered to be 15 micrograms/g dietary protein.
- For patients with chronic renal failure, the daily requirement for pyridoxine supplements is recommended to be 5 mg/day for those without erythropoietin (EPO) treatment and 20 mg/day for those with EPO treatment, as found in the study 4.
- Another study 5 recommends that patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis should receive 5 mg/day of supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride, while some patients may require 10 mg/day to achieve normal plasma PLP levels.
- The study 6 suggests that hemodialysis patients should receive 10 mg/day of supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride, while peritoneal dialysis patients and patients with chronic renal failure should receive about 5.0 mg/day.
- A more recent study 7 explores the use of pyridoxamine as an alternative to pyridoxine, showing promise in relation to the treatment of metabolic and age-related diseases.
Special Considerations
- Pregnancy and lactation may require higher intakes of vitamin B6, as mentioned in the study 3.
- The elderly may also require higher intakes of vitamin B6, although more research is needed to determine the exact requirements.
- Patients with chronic renal failure or those undergoing dialysis may require supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride to prevent vitamin B6 deficiency, as found in the studies 4, 5, and 6.