Vitamin B6 Supplement Guide
Evidence-based information on Vitamin B6 benefits, dosage, safety, and food sources — sourced from NIH, FDA, and PubMed.
Our assessment
The evidence shows that vitamin B6 is a critical nutrient for your body, but it requires careful dosing. While you can get enough from food, taking high-dose supplements for a year or longer carries a real risk of severe nerve damage NIH ODS ↗. Our assessment is that you should only use a vitamin B6 supplement if you have a confirmed deficiency or a specific medical need, and you should never exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision.
How it works
Think of vitamin B6 as a versatile helper in your body. It supports your mitochondria, the energy powerhouses in your cells, and helps regulate your mood by influencing the production of serotonin and dopamine NIH ODS ↗. It also plays a role in managing homocysteine levels and supporting healthy sleep patterns through neurotransmitter pathways NIH ODS ↗.
Safety profile
FDA received 5 adverse event reports for this specific product. The primary safety concern is that taking high amounts of vitamin B6 from supplements for a year or longer can cause severe nerve damage, leading to loss of control of bodily movements NIH ODS ↗. The symptoms usually stop when you stop taking the supplements. Other symptoms of too much vitamin B6 include painful, unsightly skin patches and extreme sensitivity NIH ODS ↗. Data not available on specific side effect counts for this product beyond the total report number.
Our recommendation
Start by getting your vitamin B6 from food sources. If you need a supplement, choose a low-dose product (under 10 mg daily) unless your doctor advises otherwise. Be aware that vitamin B6 supplements can interact with medications like cycloserine (Seromycin), an antibiotic NIH ODS ↗. Our recommendation: do not take high-dose vitamin B6 for longer than a few months without a healthcare provider's guidance NIH ODS ↗.
AI-assisted analysis based on NIH ODS, FDA, and PubMed data. Citations are linked to original sources.
Recommended Dosage
| Life Stage | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 0.1 mg |
| Infants 7–12 months | 0.3 mg |
| Children 1–3 years | 0.5 mg |
| Children 4–8 years | 0.6 mg |
| Children 9–13 years | 1.0 mg |
| Teens 14–18 years (boys) | 1.3 mg |
| Teens 14–18 years (girls) | 1.2 mg |
| Adults 19–50 years | 1.3 mg |
| Adults 51+ years (men) | 1.7 mg |
| Adults 51+ years (women) | 1.5 mg |
| Pregnant teens and women | 1.9 mg |
| Breastfeeding teens and women | 2.0 mg |
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations.
Drug Interactions
Yes, vitamin B6 supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take. Here are several examples. Vitamin B6 supplements might interact with cycloserine (Seromycin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis , and worsen any seizures and nerve cell damage that the drug might cause. Taking certain epilepsy drugs could decrease vitamin B6 levels and reduce the drugs' ability to control seizures. Taking theophylline (Aquaphyllin, Elixophyllin, Theolair, Truxophyllin, and many others) for asthma or another lung disease can reduce vitamin B6 levels and cause seizures. Tell your doctor, pharmacist , and other health care providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take. They can tell you if those dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or over-the-counter medicines or if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs , uses, or breaks down nutrients .
Check All InteractionsFood Sources
Sources of Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 Intakes and Status
Complete food source guideClinical Evidence
Vitamin B6 has been studied in 3+ clinical studies:
Benefits of a Natural Dietary Supplement for Tinnitus: An Observational Prospective Exploratory Stud...Cepeda Uceta M · 2026
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Excessive Dietary Supplement Use Among Japanese Adults: Cross-S...Sugimoto M · 2026
Dietary Supplement Interventions and Sleep Quality Improvement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysi...Mei M · 2025
Health Goals This Supplement Supports
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Vitamin B6 should I take daily?
Refer to the Recommended Dosage table above. Individual needs vary by age, gender, and health status. Always follow the dosage on your supplement label and consult your healthcare provider.
What are the side effects of Vitamin B6?
People almost never get too much vitamin B6 from food or beverages. However, taking high amounts of vitamin B6 from supplements for a year or longer can cause severe nerve damage, leading people to lose control of their bodily movements. The symptoms usually stop when they stop taking the supplements. Other symptoms of too much vitamin B6 include painful, unsightly skin patches, extreme sensitivit
Can I get enough Vitamin B6 from food alone?
Sources of Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 Intakes and Status
Does Vitamin B6 interact with medications?
Yes, vitamin B6 supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take. Here are several examples. Vitamin B6 supplements might interact with cycloserine (Seromycin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis , and worsen any seizures and nerve cell damage that the drug might cause. Takin