Meta Information
ID:vitamin-b6
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-b6
Target name:
High-Dose Long-Term Use
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Chronic intake of high-dose Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), typically above 100 mg per day, can be neurotoxic and lead to progressive sensory neuropathy, causing symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Actionable advice:
Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 100 mg/day for adults unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa (without Carbidopa)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for an enzyme that breaks down levodopa in the bloodstream before it can reach the brain, severely reducing its effectiveness for treating Parkinson's disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid all Vitamin B6 supplements if taking levodopa alone. This interaction is prevented by carbidopa, a component in most modern levodopa prescriptions (e.g., Sinemet).
Target id:
/class/anticonvulsants
Target name:
Certain Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
High doses of Vitamin B6 may accelerate the metabolism and breakdown of certain seizure medications like phenytoin and phenobarbital, potentially lowering their blood levels and increasing seizure risk.
Actionable advice:
Consult your neurologist before taking high-dose Vitamin B6 if you are on these specific anticonvulsants.
Target id:
/intervention/magnesium
Target name:
Magnesium
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for the kinase enzyme that converts Vitamin B6 into its biologically active form, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P5P), within the body.
Actionable advice:
Take Vitamin B6 and Magnesium at the same time to ensure optimal activation and utilization of the vitamin.
Target id:
/class/vitamin-b6-depleting-drugs
Target name:
Drugs that Deplete Vitamin B6 (e.g., Isoniazid, Hydralazine, Penicillamine, Theophylline, Oral Contraceptives)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Certain medications can act as Vitamin B6 antagonists, interfere with its metabolism, or increase its excretion, leading to a deficiency that supplementation can correct.
Actionable advice:
If taking these medications long-term, discuss with your doctor whether Vitamin B6 supplementation is necessary to prevent deficiency.
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment / Dialysis
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Kidney disease impairs the conversion of Vitamin B6 to its active form and increases its loss from the body, often necessitating supplementation to prevent deficiency and related complications like high homocysteine.
Actionable advice:
If you have kidney disease, consult your nephrologist about appropriate Vitamin B6 dosing.
Target id:
/biomarker/homocysteine
Target name:
Elevated Homocysteine Levels
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Vitamin B6, as its active form P5P, is a critical cofactor for two key enzymes (cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase) in the transsulfuration pathway that metabolizes and clears homocysteine.
Actionable advice:
If you have high homocysteine, ensure adequate intake of B6, B12, and folate as part of a comprehensive management plan.
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-chronic
Target name:
Chronic Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Chronic heavy alcohol intake produces acetaldehyde, which displaces the active form of B6 (P5P) from its binding proteins, making it susceptible to breakdown and leading to a functional deficiency.
Actionable advice:
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption; if you drink regularly, discuss your B6 status and potential need for supplementation with a healthcare provider.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Certain Chemotherapy Drugs
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Vitamin B6 may interact with the mechanisms of certain chemotherapy agents (e.g., 5-Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin), potentially altering their effectiveness or side effect profile.
Actionable advice:
Always consult your oncologist before taking any supplements, including Vitamin B6, during cancer treatment.
Target id:
/intervention/b-complex
Target name:
B-Complex Vitamins (especially B2, B9, B12)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Vitamin B6 requires Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) for its conversion to the active P5P form, and it works in concert with folate (B9) and B12 in single-carbon metabolism pathways like homocysteine regulation.
Actionable advice:
Take Vitamin B6 as part of a B-complex or alongside other B vitamins for optimal function.
Target id:
/intervention/zinc
Target name:
Zinc
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Zinc is a necessary cofactor for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, which is involved in the metabolism of Vitamin B6's active form, P5P.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking Zinc and Vitamin B6 together, as they are often co-factors in metabolic processes.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Vitamin B6 with food can improve tolerance and prevent potential mild nausea, although it is a water-soluble vitamin that is well-absorbed on an empty stomach.
Actionable advice:
Take with a meal to minimize any potential for stomach upset.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
3
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of stimulating and calming neurotransmitters; in some individuals, taking it near bedtime can lead to unusually vivid dreams or sleep disturbances.
Actionable advice:
Take Vitamin B6 in the morning or early afternoon to avoid any potential interference with sleep quality.
Target id:
/intervention/amiodarone
Target name:
Amiodarone
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Both the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone and high doses of Vitamin B6 can independently cause photosensitivity, and taking them together may have an additive effect, increasing the risk of severe sunburn.
Actionable advice:
Use enhanced sun protection (high-SPF sunscreen, protective clothing) if taking high-dose Vitamin B6 with amiodarone.