What is Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine))?
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble B-group vitamin whose active form is pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP). It functions as a coenzyme in over 100 enzyme reactions, particularly in amino acid (protein) metabolism, homocysteine conversion, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Pyridoxine exists as interconvertible vitamers: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
- CAS number (main form): 58-56-0
- Molecular formula: C₈H₁₁NO₃ ⋅ HCl
- Forms in the catalog: Pyridoxine, Huazhong, Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate, Jiangxi Lianlu, Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate, Shanghai Jinli
What is Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Used For? Why is it Used?
Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme across a wide range of functions, from protein metabolism and the nervous system to homocysteine conversion, red blood cell formation, and hormonal balance. It is preferred to support cardiovascular and blood health together with folate and B12, and to maintain mood and energy balance. The P5P option is offered for those requiring the active form.
Forms and Differences
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is available in different chemical forms; form selection is made based on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Pyridoxine HCl): The most common, economical, and stable supplement form of Vitamin B6. In the body, it is first converted to pyridoxal and then to the active coenzyme form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P). It is the standard form in fortification and most supplements.
- Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P / PLP): The active coenzyme form of B6 that can be used directly by the body. It functions without needing the phosphorylation step in the liver, making it preferred in situations where conversion capacity may be limited; it is generally used in higher-end products.
Use in Dietary Supplements
- Protein metabolism: Since PLP is the central coenzyme in amino acid metabolism, B6 is used in supplements supporting protein and glycogen metabolism and in athlete formulas.
- Nervous system and mood: B6 plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA), making it common in formulations aimed at supporting the nervous system and psychological function.
- Homocysteine and blood health: Because it contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and the formation of red blood cells, B6 is used in cardiovascular support combinations together with B9 (folate) and B12.
- Hormonal balance and immunity: It is preferred in women's health and general immunity formulas due to its contribution to regulating hormonal activity and supporting the normal functioning of the immune system.
Use in the Food Industry
- Flour and cereal fortification: Pyridoxine HCl is an authorized source of B6 used in the fortification of breakfast cereals, flour, baby foods, and functional beverages.
- Stability: Pyridoxine HCl is relatively heat-stable, but B6 is sensitive to light (especially UV) and prolonged thermal processing; losses can occur during milling and cooking, so the stable HCl salt is preferred for fortification.
Effects on Health
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is a vitamin that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Protein and glycogen metabolism: B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism (EFSA approved).
- Nervous system: Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system (EFSA approved).
- Psychological function: Contributes to normal psychological function (EFSA approved).
- Red blood cells: Contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells (EFSA approved).
- Homocysteine and immunity: Contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and the normal functioning of the immune system (EFSA approved).
- Hormonal activity and fatigue: Contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and helps reduce fatigue and asthenia (EFSA approved).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): NRV (1169/2011): Vitamin B6 1.4 mg.
- Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA UL (2023): 12 mg/day for adults (derived based on 50 mg/day peripheral neuropathy as a reference point). This is the updated value, reduced from the previous EFSA/SCF upper limit of 25 mg/day.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Turkish Food Codex Dietary Supplement Regulations: Vitamin B6 is an authorized vitamin; source forms (pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate) are listed in the annexes. The minimum amount per serving must be at least 15% of the reference value (1.4 mg). The regulation does not specify a numerical maximum upper limit for supplements (not fabricated).
IMPORTANT: Long-term use of high doses of B6 (especially pyridoxine) can cause peripheral (sensory) neuropathy; this relationship is well-established and is the critical effect on which the UL is based. Long-term high-dose use should be avoided.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 100% |
| Appearance | White Crystalline |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, use, and effects of this vitamin (study types are indicated):
- PubMed 37207271 — Scientific opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Vitamin B6 (EFSA, 2023)
- PubMed 37447150 — The role of Vitamin B6 in peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review
- PubMed 6308447 — Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse: a new megavitamin syndrome
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Vitamin B6.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.