Foods high in Vitamin B6

Which foods contain enough vitamin B6 to cover your daily needs? Fish, meat, nuts and legumes are among the richest sources — here is an overview of the best providers of pyridoxine.

Vitamin B6 in foods at a glance

• Vitamin B6 is found in a wide range of animal- and plant-based foods.
• Foods especially rich in pyridoxine include beef liver, soya beans, sesame seeds and salmon.
• Most people can meet their vitamin B6 needs with a balanced diet.
• If intake is limited to normal foods, an overdose is virtually impossible.
• A deficiency may make it necessary to take a vitamin B6 supplement.

Why is vitamin B6 important?

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has several functions in the body. The essential nutrient plays a role in metabolism, the immune system and the production of red blood cells.

It also contributes to:

• normal nervous system function,
• normal psychological function, and
• hormone regulation.

What are the signs of a vitamin B6 deficiency?

If the body is not supplied with enough vitamin B6 over time, it can lead to anaemia and nerve function disorders. Deficiency can manifest through various symptoms.

Possible signs include:

• inflammation in the mouth
• facial rash
• frequent infections
• digestive issues
• fatigue
• irritability
• confusion

Causes and treatment of a vitamin B6 deficiency

A vitamin B6 deficiency can have a number of causes. In addition to undernutrition, certain illnesses and some medications increase the risk. In most cases, a deficiency can be corrected with an appropriately dosed vitamin B6 supplement. Depending on the cause, further measures may be needed to treat an underlying condition.

What is the daily requirement for vitamin B6?

How much vitamin B6 you need depends mainly on your age and sex.

• According to reference values from the German Nutrition Society (DGE), adults require between 1.4 and 1.6 milligrams per day.
• Women typically need less than men, but their requirement rises to as much as 1.8 milligrams during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Which foods contain the most vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is present in both plant- and animal-based foods.

• Among animal products, beef liver, fish and seafood such as sardines, salmon and lobster are especially rich in B6.
• Top plant-based sources include soya beans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

Which fruits and vegetables contain vitamin B6?

Almost all fruit and veg contain some vitamin B6. Although amounts are often small, bananas, broccoli, carrots and Brussels sprouts are excellent sources of this important vitamin.

Do oats contain a lot of B6?

Oats are known for their rich nutrient content. However, their B6 content is relatively modest at 0.16 milligrams per 100 grams. That said, they’re still a valuable part of a balanced diet.

Do dairy products contain vitamin B6?

Dairy products aren’t particularly rich in B6. For example, 100 ml of whole milk contains only around 0.05 milligrams. Some cheeses contain slightly more, but they do not contribute significantly to your daily intake.

Table of selected vitamin B6-rich foods (mg per 100 g)

Meat and fish (mg per 100 g)

Fruit and vegetables (mg per 100 g)

Legumes and grains (mg per 100 g)

Nuts and seeds (mg per 100 g)

How can you meet your vitamin B6 needs through diet?

With a balanced diet, it’s usually no problem to get enough vitamin B6. That also applies to vegans and vegetarians, who can draw on a wide variety of plant-based sources of pyridoxine.

Examples of meals that meet your daily requirement:

• 200 g of beef with 200 g of Brussels sprouts
• 100 g of salmon with 200 g of lamb’s lettuce
• 100 g of soya beans and two bananas

What should you keep in mind when storing and cooking food?

The vitamin B6 content of food can drop significantly during long storage. To minimise loss, store food in a dry, dark place and consume it soon after purchase. When cooking, use short and gentle methods to prevent the water-soluble vitamin from being destroyed by heat or leaching into the cooking water.

Can too much vitamin B6 cause side effects?

If you get your vitamin B6 from food alone, there is practically no risk of side effects from overconsumption. However, regularly taking high-dose B6 supplements can cause problems. In the long term, too much vitamin B6 may lead to nerve damage.

Possible symptoms of excess include:

• numbness in arms and legs
• muscle weakness
• sensitivity to sunlight
• paralysis
• dermatitis

How can side effects be avoided?

To avoid side effects from excess intake, it’s important to follow recommended maximum daily doses.

• According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), up to 12 milligrams per day is safe for healthy adults.
• Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends a maximum of 0.9 milligrams per day from food supplements.

Who needs a vitamin B6 supplement?

Healthy people can take in enough vitamin B6 if they eat a balanced diet. Although, according to the National Nutrition Survey II, more than one in ten adults does not reach their daily requirement, a food supplement is not necessary in many cases. For members of a risk group, the situation is often different. For them, reaching for a vitamin B6 supplement can make sense, in order to cover an additional need or to make up an existing deficiency.

Important to know

If you are not a medical specialist and have complaints, specific health conditions, or suspect deficiencies, please make sure to consult a doctor to discuss this.