Vitamin B6: Sources, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms and Health Importance

Category: Science → Biology / Human Nutrition

Key Pointers

  • Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin.

  • Important forms include:

    • Pyridoxine

    • Pyridoxal

    • Pyridoxamine

  • Its active coenzyme form is pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

  • Important for:

    • Amino-acid metabolism

    • Neurotransmitter synthesis

    • Haemoglobin synthesis

    • Normal nervous-system function

  • Deficiency can cause anaemia, dermatitis and neurological symptoms.

  • Sources include meat, fish, poultry, potatoes, bananas and fortified cereals.

UPSC Focus

B6 → PLP → amino-acid metabolism + haemoglobin/neurotransmitters.