Vitamin B6

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Giulia Guerrini
    Last Updated: March 3, 2026

    Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that’s required for the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and neurotransmitters. Although evidence is limited, it’s commonly used for morning sickness.

    Overview

    Dosage Information

    Formulation

    Most supplements contain vitamin B6 as pyridoxine hydrochloride or pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP).

    Vitamin B6 is available as a single-ingredient oral tablet, capsule, or liquid, or in combination with other micronutrients (e.g., B-complex vitamins, multivitamins).

    Range of dosages studied

    Vitamin B6 has been studied at dosages ranging from trace amounts up to 1,200 mg daily.

    Importantly, unless recommended and monitored by a healthcare professional, dosages above 100 mg daily are not recommended because of safety concerns.[1]

    Vitamin B6 RDA

    The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 is the amount that should be consumed daily to meet the nutritional needs of most people. For infants (up to 12 months of age), an adequate intake value is given rather than an RDA, due to limited data. It is based on the average amount of vitamin B6 obtained through breast milk.[1]

    AGEMALEFEMALEPREGNANTLACTATING
    0–6 months0.1 mg*0.1 mg*——
    7–12 months0.3 mg*0.3 mg*——
    1–3 years0.5 mg0.5 mg——
    4–8 years0.6 mg0.6 mg——
    9–13 years1 mg1 mg——
    14–18 years1.3 mg1.2 mg1.9 mg2 mg
    19–50 years1.3 mg1.3 mg1.9 mg2 mg
    >50 years1.7 mg1.5 mg——

    * Adequate intake (AI)
    Reference: Institute of Medicine. Vitamin B6 (chapter 7 of Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline_ The National Academies Press. 1998. DOI: 10.17226/6015)

    Vitamin B6 UL

    The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin B6 is the daily amount of pyridoxine that is unlikely to cause the adverse effect of sensory neuropathy (nerve damage affecting sensory nerves).[1] However, some scientific bodies suggest that a lower UL may be warranted.[2]

    AGEMALEFEMALEPREGNANTLACTATING
    0–12 monthsNot established*Not established*——
    1–3 years30 mg30 mg——
    4–8 years40 mg40 mg——
    9–13 years60 mg60 mg——
    14–18 years80 mg80 mg80 mg80 mg
    19+ years100 mg100 mg100 mg100 mg

    * Source of intake should be from breast milk, formula, and food only.
    Reference: Institute of Medicine. Vitamin B6 (chapter 7 of Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. The National Academies Press. 1998. DOI: 10.17226/6015)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Update History

    Research Breakdown