Nutrients & foods

Vitamins & minerals

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Supports amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production and hemoglobin synthesis.

Updated September 17, 2026 · Educational reference

What it does

Supports amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production and hemoglobin synthesis.

Possible deficiency symptoms

Deficiency may involve anemia, dermatitis, mouth changes or neurological symptoms.

Food sources

Chickpeas; fish; poultry; potatoes; bananas; fortified cereals.

Supplement forms

Pyridoxine hydrochloride and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P).

Before taking a supplement

Excess supplemental B6 can cause nerve injury. An active form does not eliminate dose-related risk.

Questions for your visit

Could my diet, medicines, absorption or another condition explain my concern? What evidence would support treatment, and how would we check whether it helps?

Names you may see

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) · Pyridoxine

Sources & perspective

This is an editorial adaptation of the Purser Wellness nutrient reference app. Purser teaching connections are labeled separately from clinical interpretation. Private cases and individual treatment protocols are not reproduced.

Use the public resources below for additional context.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)