Vitamin B6 is a nutrient that is essential for brain function and neurodevelopment. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in the production of the hormones serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine. Vitamin B6 is also known by the name pyridoxine.
Natural vitamin B6 can be obtained from vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, cereals, bananas, and nuts. In addition to having the benefits mentioned above, vitamin B6 also helps the body produce antibodies and hemoglobin, and keeps sugar levels in the body normal.
Although rare, a person can experience a vitamin B6 deficiency, especially if you suffer from certain conditions, such as kidney failure, malnutrition, or alcoholism. In these conditions, vitamin B6 intake from food must be supported by vitamin B6 supplements.
Brand vitamin B6 trade: Vitamin B6, Liconam-10, Pyridoxine
What's that Vitamin B6
| group | Supplement |
| Category | Free medicine |
| Benefit | Treats vitamin B6 deficiency and a number of other conditions |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Vitamin B6 for pregnant and lactating women | Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. Vitamin B6 can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this supplement without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Vitamin B6
Although it can be obtained freely, you should first consult with your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements. Some things you need to pay attention to before taking vitamin B6 supplements are:
- Do not take vitamin B6 if you are allergic to this supplement.
- Do not take vitamin B6 if you are recovering from an angioplasty.
- Avoid taking vitamin B6 if you are a diabetic who has recently had a stroke.
- Tell your doctor your medical history and any medications you are taking, including vitamin supplements and herbal remedies.
- Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B6 supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately consult a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking vitamin B6.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Vitamin B6
The dose of vitamin B6 depends on the intended use. The following is a dose of vitamin B6 for some conditions:
- Condition: lack of vitamin B6
2.5–25 mg daily for 3 weeks, then 1.5–2.5 mg daily. In women who are taking birth control pills, the dose is 25–30 mg per day.
- Condition: sideroblastic anemia
200-600 mg, then gradually reduced to 30-50 mg per day.
- Condition: treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
50–100 mg per day.
- Condition: kidney stones
Adults: 25–500 mg per day.
Children 5 years and over: 20 mg/kg body weight per day.
- Condition: tardive dyskinesia
100–400 mg per day.
- Condition: morning sickness
10–25 mg, 3-4 times daily.
Daily Needs of Vitamin B6
Below is the recommended daily requirement of vitamin B6 based on age and gender. These daily needs can be met from food, supplements, or a combination of the two.
Daily requirement of vitamin B6 for children
| Age | Needs (mg/day) |
| 0-6 months | 0,1 |
| 7-12 months | 0.3 |
| 1-3 years | 0,5 |
| 4-8 years | 0,6 |
| 9-13 years old | 1 |
Daily requirement of vitamin B6 for teenagers and adults
| Age | Needs (mg/day) |
| Male age 14-50 years | 1,3 |
| Male age 50 years old | 1,7 |
| Women aged 14-50 years | 1,2 |
| Women aged 19-50 years | 1,3 |
| 50 years old woman | 1,5 |
| Pregnant and lactating women (all ages) | 1.9 mg during pregnancy and 2 mg during lactation |
Method Taking Vitamin B6 Supplements Correctly
Vitamin supplements are consumed to complement the body's nutritional needs, especially when vitamin intake from food cannot meet the body's needs. So, vitamin supplements cannot be used as a substitute for nutrients from food.
Vitamin supplements are taken in a number of conditions, such as when you have an illness or you are taking drugs that interfere with the metabolism of vitamins and minerals.
Take vitamin B6 according to the directions for use listed on the packaging, or according to doctor's advice. Do not increase or decrease the recommended dose and time of use.
Take vitamin B6 at the same time every day for effective results. Vitamin B6 can be taken before or after meals.
If you forget to take vitamin B6, do it as soon as you remember, as long as the break with the next schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Interaction of Vitamin B6 with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of interactions that may occur if you take vitamin B6 along with other medicines:
- Reduces the effectiveness of vitamin B6 when used with birth control pills, isoniazid, and penicillin antibiotics
- Increases sensitivity to sun exposure when used with amiodarone
- Increases risk of severe hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
- Decreases the effectiveness of the drugs levodopa, phenytoin, and phenobarbital
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 rarely causes side effects when taken in recommended doses. However, in some people, consuming excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- tingling
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the above symptoms or an allergic reaction occurs to the drug in the form of an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the face and tongue, severe headache, or shortness of breath.