Best Vitamin B6 Supplements Reviews & Ratings

Product Criteria For Evaluation

The world of nutritional supplements is a niche that has countless products. When we narrow down to vitamins, it is like the core of the market. Where there are many distributors and manufacturers, you will always get the good and the cheeky ones. It can be quite confusing especially if you are shopping for the first time. Well, we have made it easier for you by selecting the safest and most effective vitamin B6 products that you can get. Here is the criteria that we used to make our selection.

Safety of ingredients

When it comes to consumable products, safety has to come first. We chose products with safe and approved active and inactive ingredients. We were keen to check on quality certifications, adherence to good manufacturing practices and independent tests for purity and potency validation.

For vegetarians and people with sensitivities, we included products only sourced from plants and hypoallergenic ones. We also added organic and non-GMO products.

User reviews and ratings

We always say that verified and objective reviews matter a lot when buying a product. We can all attest that before buying something, we ask around what people think about it. We went through user reviews and ratings from reliable online sellers. We were keen to only include reviews and ratings that were verified, objective and unbiased. We then considered products that had the highest ratings and positive reviews. From the reviews, we also picked pros and cons of each selected product.

Manufacturer reputation

We chose products from manufacturers with a reputation for making quality, safe and effective nutritional supplements. Some have maintained their excellent reputation for years while others have also been exceptional at making other medical products. The manufacturers are trusted, known to adhere to GMP and FDA standards. Their products have also remained efficient for years.

Possible side effects

Side effects are always unavoidable, but we tried our best to choose products that are likely to cause the least unwanted effects. We prioritized on those that are free of artificial additives, preservatives, and potential allergens. However, people may have different reactions to each product. Check our list of the side effects to know what to expect. Be careful not to take more than the recommended dose and follow the manufacturer or doctor’s advice.

Supplement formulation

Vitamin B6 tablets are available as either chewable tablets, capsules or liquid form. We included all these formulations so you can choose what you prefer. There are no hard and fast rules as to which is better, but it is just a matter of preference.

Dietary sources and recommended intakes

The richest sources of vitamin B6 include:

Adults (19 to 50 years) should aim at consuming 1.3mg per day. Women above 51 need 1.5mg per day while men older than 50 require 1.7mg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require the highest amounts, 1.9mg and 2.0mg respectively.

For children, infants at birth to six months need 0.1mg which is obtained from breastmilk. 7 months to 3 years need amounts below 0.5mg while 4 to 13 years need less than 1mg. Children should be able to get their vitamin B6 from their diet and supplementation is not recommended, not unless advised otherwise by a specialist.

Role of vitamin B6 in the body

Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in metabolic processes and biological systems. It serves as a coenzyme in more than 100 enzymatic reactions in amino acids, glucose and lipid metabolism. This vitamin also aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin and enhances the oxygen binding of hemoglobin. For this reason, deficiency of vitamin B6 may be manifested by microcytic anemia. Vitamin B6 is also implicated in affecting the expression of certain genes.

The vitamin is critical for healthy skin, hair, eyes and proper nervous system functioning. It is also part of several neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood and other body functions.

Vitamin B6 Benefits

The key benefits of vitamin B6 are the roles that it plays in the health of nerve, skin and red blood cells. The supplements can be either be used to meet your daily dietary requirements and also as a treatment for some conditions. The supplements are used alongside other medications such as isoniazid, and in patients with kidney failure, deficiency of vitamin B6, sideroblastic anemia, high level of oxalic acid in urine (hyperoxaluria), excessive vomiting in pregnancy, and alcoholism. Other benefits of vitamin B6 include:

Prevention of vitamin B6 deficiency

Vitamin B6 deficiency is not a common condition, but some people may be at a higher risk of getting it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, you are on a high-protein diet, you are dealing with chronic alcoholism or taking isoniazid, taking the supplements will help prevent vitamin B6 deficiency. Moreover, some populations in underdeveloped and developing countries may need the supplements for children that are malnourished. If the deficiency has occurred, the supplements are also used in its treatment.

Maintain healthy blood vessels

Other than the role of formation of hemoglobin, vitamin B6 also contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system by maintaining healthy blood vessels through its action of regulation of homocysteine. High level of homocysteine in the body contributes to inflammation of blood vessels which is a risk factor for heart disease. Build up of homocysteine in the blood vessels also contributes to building up of plaque which narrows the vessels. Vitamin B6 together with other B complexes aid in lowering of homocysteine concentrations.

Support the nervous system function

All B vitamins including B6 benefit the brain by influencing memory function, delaying premature aging of the brain cells and boosting the mood. Scientific evidence shows that B6 can positively contribute to the management of Alzheimer’s disease (a condition characterized by dementia) alongside other medications.

Boosts mood

By increasing the level of serotonin, vitamin B6 boosts your mood, energy, and concentration. Serotonin also casually known as the “happy hormone,” regulates the cyclic body processes and contributes to well-being. Depression medications work the same way by increasing serotonin. In this same way, B6 is vital for controlling mood, preventing depression, and anxiety and in the prevention of mood disorders.

Skin and hair health

A healthy diet helps you maintain your beauty. Vitamin B6 alongside other B complexes helps keep hair and skin healthy. To maximize this benefit, also include other B complexes in your diet. In addition to these benefits, vitamin B6 is also believed to help in protecting eye health and slowing down the onset of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (MAD).

Reduce nausea during pregnancy

One of the benefits of taking vitamin B6 in pregnancy is that it helps to deal with morning sickness. The mechanism in which it works to ease nausea is not known, but obstetricians recommend 25mg up to three times daily to relieve nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, vitamin B6 helps to meet developing needs of the fetus, improves the immunity of the mother and boosts hemoglobin levels to prevent anemia.

How to take the supplements

Most of the products on our list should be taken orally. You can take with or without food once daily or as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all the directions, and if you are uncertain, please consult your doctor. If you are taking any other drugs or managing a medical condition, you should strictly adhere to the dosages recommended by your specialist.

If you are taking the extended/time-release type, swallow the capsules or tablets whole. Do not chew, crash or add to fluids. Doing so will release all the drug at once. It will then be absorbed rapidly increasing the likelihood of unwanted effects. This type is meant to be absorbed and utilized slowly over a period. If a tablet can be split into two, it will have a marked line in the middle. In this case, if you wish, you can break the tablet into two then swallow, but do not crash it.

For powder formulations, mix it with a fluid of your choice then consume immediately. Do not prepare the liquid if you are not taking it right away. For the liquid supplement type, protect it from light and only take it if it is clear.

For maximum benefits, ensure that you take a healthy balanced diet. Most B vitamins work together with other nutrients. Remember that vitamin B6 from food sources is not harmful and has no side effects.

Use of vitamin B6 in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pyridoxine (B6) is classified as Category A drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that it is safe to take during pregnancy as there are no known adverse reactions. It only applies to Recommended Daily Allowance amount, which is 1.9mg. If the dose is above that, then it is classified as a Category C, in which, no adequate research has been done to establish that higher amounts are safe to the fetus and mother.

Vitamin B6 has been used together with doxylamine, to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is also thought to play a role in the prevention of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the supplementation of B6 to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. The organization recommends that you should receive adequate nutrition through consumption of a healthy balanced diet.

Pyridoxine is excreted in breastmilk thus can be passed to a nursing baby. Large doses can cause seizures in infants.  Pyridoxine is also reported to inhibit milk production in large doses. Hence, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only take the supplements if advised by your doctor- if the medical benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Possible side effects

Other than the desired effects, pyridoxine may cause other unwanted effects, known as side effects. Some are major while others are minor, and go away as you continue taking the supplements. Most of the common side effects include:

If the above side effects do not subside, you should seek medical help. In addition, if you notice the following effects, you should stop taking the supplements and see a doctor:

High doses of vitamin B6 are unsafe as they can cause serious brain and nerve problems. Stick to the recommended dosages and the restricted intake for every 24 hours. If you are breastfeeding, stick to the prescribed doses as high amounts passed to the nursing baby can cause seizures.

Precautions

You should avoid vitamin B6 tablets if you have ever had an allergic reaction. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, nasal congestion, rash, red and watery eyes, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, mouth and eyes, and chest tightness. If you notice these signs, you should stop using the supplements and get medical help.

Other medications and herbal products may interact with vitamin B6 supplements. Over 30 drug types have been reported to interact with these supplements. Therefore, if you are on any other medication, you should inform your healthcare provider. Drug interactions can either render the medications ineffective or potentiate toxicity. For this reason, you should not take the matter lightly, but discuss it with your doctor.

If you are being treated for medical conditions such as heart, liver or kidney diseases, you should also be cautious and seek counsel from a specialist. If the supplements are not cleared from the body efficiently such as in the case of liver and kidney failure, they may be toxic. If really needed, your doctor may suggest lower doses. Also, you should never replace your prescribed medication with the supplements, not unless under the guidance of your doctor.

You should adhere the recommended doses, duration and timing of the supplements. Do not overdose as cases of toxicity have been reported. Furthermore, if you would like to administer the supplements to a child below 18 years of age, you should first consult a pediatrician. This also applies to other medications and supplements.

Storage

Vitamin B6 supplements should be stored at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Liquid preparations should be protected from light, and should only be consumed if the solution is clear. Moreover, store the supplements away from children.

FAQs

What is it?

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is a member of the vitamin B complexes. It is also referred to as pyridoxine.

What are the food sources of vitamin B6?

The most abundant sources of vitamin B6 are fish, poultry, organ beef meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits.

How much should I take in a day?

Adults below 50 years should take 1.5mg, above 50 years 1.7mg, pregnant women 1.9mg and breastfeeding mothers 2.0mg.

What if I do not take enough of it?

Lack vitamin B6 results in vitamin B6 deficiency which may manifest as microcytic anemia, depression, skin wounds, muscle pain, low energy, confusion, irritability and mouth sores.

Why take the supplements?

Vitamin B6 supplements should be taken to prevent and treat vitamin B6 deficiency, maintain a healthy nervous system, meet dietary requirements, boost mood and energy, for a healthy cardiovascular system and as a treatment together with other medications for specific medical conditions.

Who should take the supplements?

The supplements can be taken by people who are at a risk of vitamin B6 deficiency, e.g., those taking oral contraceptives, those taking isoniazid, malnourished patients and those who want to meet their daily nutritional demands.

How do they work in the body?

Vitamin B6 works as a coenzyme in many metabolic reactions and also as a part of neurotransmitters.

Are they safe during pregnancy?

In amounts below 2.0mg, vitamin B6 is considered safe in pregnancy. However, you should only take them under the guidance of your obstetrician. The doctor can prescribe them for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. To meet your dietary requirements, the WHO recommends that you should focus on taking a healthy balanced diet.

Do they have any side effects?

Just like all other drugs, vitamin B6 has side effects. The commonest include nausea, headache, abdominal pain, drowsiness and loss of appetite. The supplements may have other serious side effects like loss of sensation, numbness, seizures, loss of balance and confusion. If you notice any of the severe effects, you should seek medical help immediately.

When should I take caution?

You should take caution if you had an allergic reaction before, if pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are taking any other medication, supplement or herbal product and if you are on treatment for any medical ailment. In all these cases, you should first consult a specialist.

How should they be taken?

You can take the supplements with or without food as per the prescribed doses. If you get any abdominal discomfort, take them with food.

Where can I buy them?

You can get the supplements from a pharmacy, hospital or online sellers like Amazon. Buying from online gives you the advantage of shopping at any time and anywhere and you get to compare different prices and reviews. Moreover, from Amazon, you get friendly purchase, shipping, and return policies.