How much Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) should I take daily?
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Daily Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Intake Recommendations
Recommended Daily Allowance for Adults
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is essential for numerous enzymatic processes, particularly those involved in amino acid metabolism. For a typical adult, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 is between 1.2 to 2 mg per day, which is generally met through a balanced diet1 5.
Increased Requirements in Special Populations
Certain populations may require higher intakes of vitamin B6. For instance, pregnant and lactating women have increased needs due to the demands of the fetus and milk production. The recommended intake for pregnant women ranges from 1.5 mg/day in the first trimester to 1.8 mg/day in the later stages of pregnancy, while lactating women should aim for 1.6 mg/day5. Additionally, individuals with chronic renal failure or those undergoing dialysis may need higher doses, with recommendations suggesting up to 10 mg/day for hemodialysis patients and around 5 mg/day for those on peritoneal dialysis2.
Vitamin B6 and Oral Contraceptive Users
Women using oral contraceptives may have slightly altered vitamin B6 requirements. Studies indicate that an intake between 1.5 and 5.0 mg/day is sufficient to maintain normal vitamin B6 levels in these individuals6 7. However, the effect of oral contraceptives on vitamin B6 needs is generally mild and not clinically significant for most users6.
Toxicity and Upper Limits
While vitamin B6 is water-soluble and generally safe, excessive intake can lead to toxicity. Neuropathy has been reported at intakes of 1000 mg/day or more, with some cases occurring at doses as low as 100-300 mg/day. The US authorities have set the no-observed-adverse-effect level at 200 mg/day and the safe upper limit at 100 mg/day4 10. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid high doses unless medically supervised.
Conclusion
For most adults, a daily intake of 1.2 to 2 mg of vitamin B6 is adequate and can be easily achieved through a balanced diet. Special populations, such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, and individuals with chronic renal conditions, may require higher doses. It is important to avoid excessive intake to prevent toxicity, with the upper safe limit set at 100 mg/day. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to vitamin intake, especially if you belong to a special population or are considering high-dose supplements.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pyridoxine toxicity courtesy of your local health food store
Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is a highly water-soluble vitamin that plays an important part in the functioning of many enzymes, especially those involved in amino acid metabolism. A normal adult will require 1–2 mg of pyridoxine per day. This is adequately supplied by a normal diet. Requirements are increased in pregnancy, in malnourished patients and in patients who are taking drugs that cause a depletion of pyridoxine— for …
Daily requirement for pyridoxine supplements in chronic renal failure.
A daily dose of 10 mg/day of pyridoxine hydrochloride is recommended for patients on hemodialysis, 5.0 mg/day for peritoneal dialysis, and 4.1 mg/day for chronic renal failure patients.
Non-RCT
Highly CitedAvailability of vitamin B6 and pantothenate in an average American diet in man.
The average American diet contains 1.7 and 5.8 mg/day of available vitamin B6 and pantothenate, respectively, with varying levels of availability based on plasma pyridoxal phosphate and urinary data.
Highly Cited[How much vitamin B6 is toxic?].
High intakes of vitamin B6 can cause neuropathy, with the safe upper limit at 100 mg per day, but physicians should be alert to high intakes as a potential cause of unexplained neuropathy.
Revised D-A-CH Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B6
The revised D-A-CH reference values for vitamin B6 intake suggest that adults should consume 1.2 mg/day for adequate vitamin B6 status, while infants, children, and adolescents require 0.5 to 1.5 mg/day, and pregnant and lactating women need 1.3 mg/day.
Urinary 4-pyridoxic acid, plasma pyridoxal phosphate, and erythrocyte aminotransferase levels in oral contraceptive users receiving controlled intakes of vitamin B6.
Oral contraceptive use may slightly alter vitamin B6 requirements, but the effect is mild and of doubtful clinical significance for most women.
Non-RCTHighly CitedThe vitamin B6 requirement in oral contraceptive users. I. Assessment by pyridoxal level and transferase activity in erythrocytes.
An intake between 1.5 and 5.0 mg/day of vitamin B6 is adequate for oral contraceptive users, compared to 1.5 mg/day previously recommended for nonusers.
Non-RCTSevere sensorimotor neuropathy after intake of highest dosages of vitamin B6
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause severe sensorimotor neuropathy, with muscle weakness and motor findings in a pure sensory neuronopathy.
Case ReportQuantification of the B6 vitamers in human plasma and urine in a study with pyridoxamine as an oral supplement; pyridoxamine as an alternative for pyridoxine.
Oral pyridoxamine supplementation increases plasma levels of vitamin B6 and its biologically active metabolite pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, potentially benefiting metabolic diseases and vitamin B6 deficiency treatment.
Non-RCT
Very Rigorous JournalThe Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
High vitamin B6 levels may cause neurotoxic peripheral neuropathy, while low B6 levels may be a potential risk factor for peripheral neuropathy, but further studies are needed.
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