Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a cofactor for producing serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and other neurotransmitters. Correcting deficiency supports mood and nerve function, and B6 has specific roles such as easing some pregnancy nausea and PMS symptoms. Benefits in replete people are limited, and chronically high supplemental doses can paradoxically cause peripheral nerve damage.
Too little may be associated with
Deficiency: irritability, depression, neuropathy.
Too much may be associated with
High doses cause nerve damage.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Benefits
Coenzyme for neurotransmitter, amino-acid, and hemoglobin metabolism; used for morning sickness and certain deficiency states.
Risks
Chronic high-dose supplementation can cause peripheral nerve damage (neuropathy)—stay within recommended limits.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Body systems
Organs
Neurotransmitters
Related
Where to buy
Popular Vitamin B6 products on Amazon. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician before starting a supplement.
As an Amazon Associate, Neurotransmission earns from qualifying purchases.
Research (6)
- Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy Powers et al. (2023) PubMed ↗
- High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression Field et al. (2022) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Vitamin B-6-Induced Neuropathy: Exploring the Mechanisms of Pyridoxine Toxicity Hadtstein et al. (2021) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a systematic review and economic assessment O'Donnell et al. (2016) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Autism Parr (2010) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Autism Parr (2008) PubMed ↗
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