Vitamin B6

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Function

• Food Sources
• Side Effects
• Recommendations

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex.

Function    Return to top

Vitamin B-6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B-6 helps maintain normal nerve function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions needed to digest proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B-6.

Food Sources    Return to top

Vitamin B-6 is found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.

Side Effects    Return to top

Large doses of vitamin B-6 can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause mouth and tongue sores, irritability, confusion, and depression. (Vitamin B-6 deficiency is not common in the United States.)

Recommendations    Return to top

The average diet supplies adequate vitamin B-6.