Vitamin B6

What is Vitamin B6?

Like all B Vitamins, Vitamin B6 helps convert the food that we eat into energy that we use throughout our day. It is also involved in making the brain messengers serotonin and dopamine, and the sleep hormone 'melatonin'.

What does Vitamin B6 do?

Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Unlike other B Vitamins, Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. It also contributes to normal psychological function. A study in stressed but otherwise healthy adults looked at magnesium and Vitamin B6 taken together, measuring mental health and quality of life.

Vitamin B6 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine is an amino acid made in the body when it processes methionine, an amino acid from protein. B Vitamins help break homocysteine down, and researchers have looked at what happens when homocysteine levels are high. Researchers have also studied homocysteine, Vitamin B6 and folic acid in experimental models of heart health.

Vitamin B6 also contributes to normal red blood cell formation. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

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Why it's in Stay Calm®

Vitamin B6, is essential for brain function, for the production of neurotransmitters and the regulation of the stress response. It is needed for maintaining healthy nervous system function, and its involvement in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) makes it an important nutrient in managing stress, mood, and anxiety.

Neurotransmitter synthesis: Vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, stress, and emotions.¹ Vitamin B6 supplementation supports neurotransmitter production and helps stabilise mood, reduce irritability, and enhance emotional resilience under stress.

Cortisol regulation: Vitamin B6 is needed for the synthesis and regulation of cortisol and is needed by the adrenal glands for balancing cortisol production. During periods of chronic stress, B6 levels can become rapidly depleted.

Reduction of stress-induced symptoms: Vitamin B6 helps reduce common symptoms associated with stress, such as irritability, anxiety, fatigue and poor concentration.

Why it's in OsteoFriend®

Vitamins B6, Folate and B12 work synergistically to regulate homocysteine metabolism, which is essential for maintaining bone integrity. Elevated homocysteine is associated with impaired collagen cross-linking, reduced bone quality, and increased fracture risk. Vitamin B6 supports collagen formation and neurotransmitter synthesis, while Folate and Vitamin B12 are essential for DNA synthesis, methylation and bone marrow function. Deficiencies in any of these B vitamins can disrupt osteoblast activity, compromise bone matrix quality and increase the risk of osteoporosis.²

Why it's in Daily Multivitamin and Women's ProMulti

Vitamin B6 is converted into pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), its active form, which serves as a coenzyme in over 100 enzymatic reactions. PLP is essential for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), and haemoglobin production. It also plays a role in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. B6 helps regulate hormone production, including serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood balance and can alleviate PMS symptoms. B6 is vital for the production of cytokines and antibodies, enhancing the body’s immune response.

Why it's in Brain Fuel®

Vitamin B6 synthesises neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, and is crucial in maintaining healthy neuronal membranes. The vitamin has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults, possibly by reducing cognitive decline and improving memory.³ Vitamin B6 may also have neuroprotective effects, reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.⁴

Why it's in UltraEnergy

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) functions as a coenzyme - primarily in its active form, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) - in over 100 enzymatic reactions, with a central role in amino acid metabolism, including transamination, decarboxylation, and deamination processes. It is essential for the biosynthesis of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine, thereby influencing mood regulation, cognitive function, and mental energy. B6 is also required for the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine in the methionine cycle; elevated homocysteine levels are linked to fatigue and vascular dysfunction. By supporting both neurotransmitter balance and methylation pathways, Vitamin B6 contributes to emotional wellbeing and sustained energy levels.⁵

Why it's in Kid's ProMulti

Pyridoxine (B6): Required for neurotransmitter synthesis; low B6 is linked to mood dysregulation and learning issues.⁶

Why it's in Men's ProMulti

Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood regulation. Deficiency in Vitamin B6 has been linked to symptoms of depression. Supplementation with Vitamin B6 may help alleviate these symptoms.⁷

Why it's in PMS Hero®

Folate, Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 play significant roles in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms through their contributions to hormonal balance and neurotransmitter synthesis. These B Vitamins support mood regulation, reduce fatigue and improve common symptoms such as irritability, bloating and cramping.

Vitamin B6 is essential for managing PMS symptoms, as it is needed for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood swings and irritability. Its role in hormone regulation supports the balance of oestrogen and progesterone, reducing symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating. Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. This is particularly important for mood and a reduction in irritability and depression commonly experienced in PMS. B6 plays a role in regulating hormonal levels by influencing the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and facilitating the metabolism of steroid hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone. Evidence suggests that B6 can significantly reduce the severity of PMS symptoms, likely due to its role in neurotransmitter balance and hormonal regulation.

Why it's in pH Hero®

Vitamin B6 plays several roles in supporting vaginal health through its impact on hormonal balance, immune support and anti-inflammatory action.

Metabolism of hormones: One of the main mechanisms of action for Vitamin B6 is its role as a coenzyme in the metabolism of hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. By helping to regulate hormonal fluctuations, Vitamin B6 can reduce premenstrual symptoms like vaginal dryness or discomfort, which are often related to hormonal shifts.⁸

Immune support: Vitamin B6 supports immune function, which is essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome and protecting against infections. It contributes to the production of antibodies and immune cells, enhancing the body’s natural defences against pathogens. In inflammatory conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, Vitamin B6 may have beneficial effects by modulating inflammatory pathways, as it’s involved in the synthesis of cytokines and other anti-inflammatory mediators.