Vitamin B6

​Function: 
Vitamin B6 is needed to modify proteins and affects hormones and gene expression. 

Deficiency: 
Vitamin B6 deficiency leads to hypochromic, microcytic anemia and the symptoms of sleepiness, fatigue, and inflammation of the lips, tongue, and mouth in adults.  In infants, symptoms include neurological problems, such as seizures and convulsions. 

Sources & Absorption:
Excellent sources of Vitamin B6 include meats, whole-grains, vegetables, nuts, and bananas.  Much of Vitamin B6 is lost when foods are processed, such as heating, sterilizing, canning, and milling.  Vitamin B6 is easily absorbed.

Toxicity:
Since Vitamin B6 is not stored in the body, there appears to be little to no risk of toxicity from consuming it.  However, excessive supplementation of Pyridoxine, has been linked to sensory and peripheral neuropathy.

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* This information is not intended to encourage self-supplementation.   As you will read in individual nutrient content, self-supplementation can be unnecessary or even dangerous.  I highly recommend micro-nutrient blood testing before choosing to take any supplements that are not whole-foods based.
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References:
Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2009.
Mahan L, Escott-Stump S, Raymond J. Krauses's food and the nutrition care process. 13th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.