Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) recommended daily intake
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Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) for Adults
Recent guidelines from European and international nutrition authorities recommend that adult women should consume about 1.4–1.6 mg of vitamin B6 per day, while adult men should aim for 1.6–1.7 mg per day to maintain adequate plasma pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) levels, which is the active form of vitamin B6 and a reliable marker of sufficiency 12. These recommendations are consistent across different age groups within adulthood and are based on balance studies and biomarker thresholds 12.
Vitamin B6 Intake Recommendations for Children, Adolescents, and Infants
For children and adolescents, the recommended intake varies by age and body weight, generally ranging from 0.6 mg/day for younger children to 1.6–1.7 mg/day for older adolescents 12. For infants, the recommended intake is lower, with values around 0.1–0.3 mg/day depending on age 12.
Special Considerations: Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy, the recommended intake increases to support fetal development and maternal needs. The recommended intake is 1.5 mg/day in the first trimester and 1.8 mg/day in the second and third trimesters 12. For lactating women, the recommended intake is 1.6–1.7 mg/day to account for vitamin B6 lost through breast milk 12.
Upper Intake Levels and Safety
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin B6 in adults is set at 12 mg/day to prevent neurotoxicity, particularly peripheral neuropathy, which can occur with excessive intake 47. For children, the UL is lower and adjusted for age and body weight . Most people do not exceed these levels through diet alone, but high-dose supplements can easily surpass the UL 45.
Vitamin B6 in Multivitamins and Supplements
Many over-the-counter multivitamins contain vitamin B6 in amounts above the recommended daily intake, especially in products targeted at older adults and women . Prolonged use of such supplements can increase the risk of vitamin B6 toxicity, so awareness and careful selection of supplements are important 53.
Bioavailability and Dietary Sources
Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods such as meat, fish, nuts, beans, grains, fruits, and vegetables, but the bioavailability can vary depending on the food source, with animal sources generally being more bioavailable than plant sources 689. The average American diet typically provides about 1.7 mg of available vitamin B6 per day, which aligns with recommended intake levels .
Conclusion
The recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 varies by age, sex, and physiological status, with adults generally needing 1.4–1.7 mg per day and higher amounts required during pregnancy and lactation. While vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, excessive intake from supplements can lead to toxicity. It is important to follow established guidelines to ensure adequate, but not excessive, vitamin B6 intake for optimal health 1245.
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