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Vitamin B6 - Recommendations

Alternative Names

Pyridoxine

Recommendations:

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for vitamin B6:

Infants

0 - 6 months: 0.1 milligrams per day (mg/day)
7 - 12 months: 0.3 mg/day

Children

1 - 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
4 - 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
9 - 13 years: 1.0 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults

Males age 14 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day
Males over 50 years: 1.7 mg/day
Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.2 mg/day
Females age 19 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day
Females over 50 years: 1.5 mg/day

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

Vitamin B6 benefit

Vitamin B6 source

Reviewed last on: 3/7/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, PantothenicAcid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1998.

Hamrick I, Counts SH. Vitamin and mineral supplements. Wellness and Prevention. December 2008:35(4);729-747.

Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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