# Vitamin B6 - Author: **National Institutes of Health** - Document Tags: [[vitamin b6]] - [URL link](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/)  ## Highlights - It is the generic name for six compounds (vitamers) with vitamin B6 activity: pyridoxine, an alcohol; pyridoxal, an aldehyde; and pyridoxamine, which contains an amino group; and their respective 5’-phosphate esters. Pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5’ phosphate (PMP) are the active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6 [[1](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional#en1),[2](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional#en2)]. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkazyaphe503mgcb2dyzwdea)) --- - Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B6 ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkazz6vjc8yydxp54emhdaym)) --- - Age Male Female Pregnancy Lactation ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkazzf0t6zasfhnq7jdqb51e)) --- - 19–50 years 1.3 mg 1.3 mg 1.9 mg 2.0 mg ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkazzc8mma105zcjz06ce2b9)) --- - Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with microcytic anemia, electroencephalographic abnormalities, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth) and glossitis (swollen tongue), depression and confusion, and weakened immune function ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkb019gaj8bgqsxmacvsdhfa)) --- - Poor vitamin B6 status has been hypothesized to play a role in the cognitive decline that some older adults experience ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hkb01tvn6z6jm04ec8b3amee)) ---