Vitamin B6

Amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitters, haemoglobin and homocysteine metabolism.

Swiss reference value

Switzerland age 18–65: 1.6 mg/day women, 1.7 mg/day men.

Good food sources

Fish, poultry, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas and fortified foods.

When intake or status is low

Anaemia, inflamed skin/tongue, impaired immunity, irritability or confusion can occur.

Long-term health connections

Deficiency is more likely with malabsorption, kidney disease, alcohol dependence or certain medicines.

Skin, hair and nails

Dermatitis and mouth/tongue changes are possible but nonspecific.

Who is more at risk

Malabsorption, dialysis/kidney disease, alcohol dependence and some medicines.

How to assess it

Assess symptoms, medicines, diet and, when appropriate, PLP laboratory testing together.

Supplements: when to consider

Use only when targeted; B6 is often hidden at high doses in combination products.

Too much and safety

Chronic high supplemental doses can cause potentially irreversible sensory neuropathy.

International reference systems