Overview 

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in numerous processes in the body . However, the name vitamin B6 hides various chemical , vitamin-active compounds. These go by the names pyridoxine , pyridoxamine and pyridoxal . Pyridoxamine and pyridoxal are formed from pyridoxine through chemical modification. The active form of pyridoxine in the body is pyridoxal phosphate . Pyridoxine esters (a specific form of pyridoxine ) are usually ingested with food .  

The numerous tasks of vitamin B6 include participation in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as in the formation of messenger substances and the B vitamin niacin ( 1 ) . Niacin is relevant because it is an important component for the development of many essential coenzymes in our body (2) . In the body it is required for more than 1 5 0 reactions in the body (3) . Vitamin B6 is also involved in the immune system (3) . Particularly important is vitamin B6 for the regulation of homocysteine ​​metabolism . Homocysteine ​​is an intermediate product in our body that must be broken down quickly because it increases the risk for thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases increased . Vitamin B6 is involved in this breakdown ( 4 ) .  

Vitamin B6 – the most important tasks in brief (5)  

The following vitamin B6-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine ​​synthesis and homocysteine ​​metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Vitamin B6 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue 
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells 

Your daily need for vitamin B6 (1) 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 1.6 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adult men (19 years and older) and an intake of 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adolescent and adult women. Pregnant women have increased needs. 

Vitamin B6 is found naturally in numerous foods, such as: whole grains, nuts (hazelnuts and walnuts), red peppers, sardines, mackerel and pork. Fruit juices and dried fruits also contribute to the supply. 

However, a diet-related vitamin B6 deficiency rarely occurs. If there is a vitamin B6 deficiency, it is likely that the stores of the other B vitamins (B2, B12, ...) are also relatively empty. 

Vitamin B6 can be harmful if consumed in excessive doses. To do this, however, approximately 350 times the recommended daily dose (more than 500 mg) must be consumed over the long term. This is not possible through diet and our nutritional supplements when following the recommended intake. 

How a vitamin B6 deficiency can manifest itself (6)  

A deficiency can manifest itself in many other symptoms in addition to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Neurologically, fatigue, weakness, confusion and depression may occur. 

Physically, inflammation can occur in the mouth area such as the oral mucosa, tongue or lips. Skin changes such as dermatitis or eczema are also possible. 

In pregnant women, vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to premature births and miscarriages. It is therefore important, especially for women, to ensure adequate supply at all times. 

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B6? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature  

1. Vitamin B6. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-b6/?L=0 (accessed on November 22, 2023) 
2. Kirkland JB, Meyer-Ficca ML. Niacin. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2018;83:83-149. 
3. Ueland PM, McCann A, Midttun Ø, Ulvik A. Inflammation, vitamin B6 and related pathways. Mol Aspects Med. 2017 Feb;53:10-27. 
4. Homocysteine ​​(HCYS). Health portal. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/labor/laborwerte/blutgerinnung/homocystein.html#:~:text=Homocystein%20ist%20eine%20sulphur-containing%20Aminos%C3%A4ure,and%20Herz%2DCirculation%2DDiseases . (accessed on November 28, 2023) 
5. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
6. Brown MJ, Ameer MA, Daley SF, Beier K. Vitamin B6 Deficiency. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–.