Vitamin B6 Monograph

Scientific name of Vitamin B6:
Pyridoxine

Action of Vitamin B6:
Vital nutrient in the formation of neurotransmitters like Serotonin, red blood cells and hormones

Vitamin B6 is used for these functions in the body and brain:
Neurological health; nervous system function; immune system response

Find Vitamin B6 in these Clarocet blends:

Clarocet NRI® Immediate Response Capsules™
promote fast-acting relaxation when you need it most.

Clarocet ERT® Extended Release Tablets™
promote positive mood balance all day strong.

Clarocet CS® Controlled Release Tablets™
promote long-lasting energy and mental sharpness.

Clarocet PM® Rapid Release Capsules™
promote a deep, restful night's sleep.

Clarocet Junior® Easy-to-Swallow Tablets™
support Emotional Wellness in kids ages 7 thru 13.

An Overview of Vitamin B6

B6, or Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin found in green and leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, eggs, fish and shellfish.

Vitamin B6 supplementation has been shown to provide positive support for:

  • Everyday stress
  • Nervous system function
  • Immune system response

Pyridoxine is an essential vitamin that the body is unable to produce on its own. Therefore, it must be replenished every day through the diet and/or supplementation. Pyridoxine deficiency may result in headache, chronic pain, depressed mood and neurological disturbances.

Science and Pharmacology of Vitamin B6

B6, or Pyridoxine, is a cofactor. Cofactors are the most important components required to maintain fundamental processes throughout the body. Basic nervous system functions such as neurotransmitter synthesis and healthy cell-to-cell communication would not be possible without the presence of necessary vitamin, mineral and amino acid cofactors.

Supplementing a balanced diet with Vitamin B6 has been clinically shown to promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance. Because of its nutritive value, Pyridoxine is used in several Clarocet formulations along with other essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are associated with healthy nervous system function.

Vitamin B6 Safety and Usage

Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) are the amounts of vitamins and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons. RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person’s age, sex and physical condition, including considerations like pregnancy.

This chart shows the recommended daily amounts of Vitamin B6 for different groups:

Infants and children (Birth to 3  years) 0.3 – 1 mg
4 to 6 years of age 1.1 mg
7 to 10 years of age 1.4 mg
 Adolescent and adult males 1.7 – 2 mg
Adolescent and adult females 1.4 – 1.6 mg

What are the potential side effects of Vitamin B6?

Side effects have not been reported as a result of Vitamin B6 use.

Is Vitamin B6 safe for children?

Vitamin B6 is generally well tolerated when used in children. Because each child is unique, Vitamin B6 should be administered under the supervision of a professional healthcare provider.

Does Vitamin B6 adversely interact with prescription drugs?

Vitamin B6 has no known contraindications. If you are taking a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with your prescribing doctor before making any changes or additions to your current treatment plan.

What precautions should I take before beginning Vitamin B6?

Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a wellness plan that includes dietary supplements like Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 Clinical Studies

1. Vitamin B6 in clinical neurology.
Bernstein AL.
Ann NY Acad Sci. 1990;585:250-60.

2. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B 6) (Systemic)
National Library of Medicine, Micromedex, Pharmacopeia Drug Information, Volume II
Rev.:May 01, 1995 [Read the Abstract]

3. Effect of B-group vitamins and antioxidant vitamins on hyperhomocysteinemia: a double-blind, randomized, factorial-design, controlled trial.
Woodside JV, Yarnell JW, McMaster D, Young IS, Harmon DL, McCrum EE, Patterson CC, Gey KF, Whitehead AS, Evans A.
School of Clinical Medicine, The Queen's University of Belfast, United Kingdom.
Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 May;67(5):858-66. PMID: 9583842 [Read the Abstract]

4. Low-dose vitamin B-6 effectively lowers fasting plasma homocysteine in healthy elderly persons who are folate and riboflavin replete.
McKinley MC, McNulty H, McPartlin J, Strain JJ, Pentieva K, Ward M, Weir DG, Scott JM.
Northern Ireland Centre for Diet and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine, United Kingdom.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Apr;73(4):759-64.PMID: 11273851 [Read the Abstract]

5. The clinical potential of ademetionine (S-adenosylmethionine) in neurological disorders.
Bottiglieri T, Hyland K, Reynolds EH.
Metabolic Disease Center, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, Texas.
Drugs. 1994 Aug;48(2):137-52. PMID: 7527320 [Read the Abstract]

6. Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression.
Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, Toone BK, Carney MW, Reynolds EH.
Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
J Neur. N. Psychiatry. 2000 Aug;69(2):228-32. PMID: 10896698 [Read the Abstract]

7. High-dose pyridoxine as an 'anti-stress' strategy.
McCarty MF.
Pantox Laboratories, San Diego, California, USA.
Med Hypotheses. 2000 May;54(5):803-7. PMID: 10859691 [Read the Abstract]

8. Metabolic Pathways to Dopamine and Norepinephrine
Beverly Instruction Center
Jan. 2000; [Read the Abstract]

Related online research destinations

Last Updated: February 2012 [PHMF-02-0]