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	Wellness Wheel Nutrition & Health States Tables Drug-Nutrient Interactions & Depletions Table Supplement Dosage Chart Herbal Dosage Chart

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Dosage Chart

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B-6 plays a role in converting food into energy. It is also essential in red blood cell formation.


	Benefits Contributes to a healthy pregnancy. Necessary for the formation of protein. Vital for proper cell development.			Precautions Vitamin B-6 dosages should not exceed 100mg/day over a long period of time due to possible toxic effects on the nervous system, causing nerve damage. For long-term use, a daily dosage of 50 mg is considered safe.

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Antibiotics

Destruction of normal gastrointestinal flora by antibiotics can cause a decrease in the normal bacterial production of certain B vitamins including folic acid. Consider supplementing with vitamin B-complex if taking antibiotics frequently for extended periods of time.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives may reduce serum pyridoxine levels. Consider supplementing with vitamin B6 to insure adequate levels if taking oral contraceptives.

Oral Hypoglycemics (Antidiabetic Drugs)

Metformin may cause diminished oral absorption of vitamin B6. Reduced serum levels of vitamin B6 occur in a up to 30% of patients taking metformin chronically

Antidepressants

In combination, the B-Vitamins, including B-6 and B-12, are important for normal neurotransmitter metabolism.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be used with caution when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be avoided when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Nutrition and Health State

If no prescription medications are being used, the following supplements may be beneficial for this health state. If prescription medications are being used, please see the drug-interaction database before making recommendations.

A daily multivitamin will help ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients and promote overall health and well-being.

Diabetes – Type II

This key B vitamin helps maintain normal homocysteine levels in the blood, which is important for heart health. Dosages should not exceed 100mg/day over a long period of time due to possible toxic effects on the nervous system, causing nerve damage. For long-term use, a daily dosage of 50 mg is considered safe.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

When adjusting carbohydrate intake with PCOS, additional B vitamins may be beneficial to meet daily requirements. Also, folic acid supplementation is important if taking Glucophage for PCOS, since it may reduce folic acid absorption and subsequently increase circulating homocysteine levels. Dosages should not exceed 100mg/day over a long period of time due to possible toxic effects on the nervous system, causing nerve damage. For long-term use, a daily dosage of 50 mg is considered safe.

PMS

up to 100 mg/day. Vitamin B6 may be beneficial in the management of PMS and premenstrual depression.

Oral Contraception

50-100 mg/day. Consider supplementing with vitamin B6 if taking oral contraceptives. Also, use of estrogens and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives may reduce serum pyridoxine (B6) levels. Dosages should not exceed 100mg/day over a long period of time due to possible toxic effects on the nervous system, causing nerve damage. For long-term use, a daily dosage of 50 mg is considered safe.

Menstruation/Menstrual Cycle

50-100 mg/day. Consider supplementing with vitamin B6. Use of estrogens and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives may reduce serum pyridoxine (B6) levels. Dosages should not exceed 100mg/day over a long period of time due to possible toxic effects on the nervous system, causing nerve damage. For long-term use, a daily dosage of 50 mg is considered safe.

Muscle Pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)

Adequate amounts of key B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12) allow SAM-e to work effectively and help promote healthy nerve function.

Depression ( or Mood disorder)

Studies show that people suffering from low moods may have lower blood levels of vitamins B6, B12 , and folic acid which are essential in maintaining emotional well-being. B vitamins are important for normal neurotransmitter metabolism (e.g. serotonin) and overall brain health.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.