Vitamin B6

One-half of a medium fresh grapefruit contributes 4% of the recommended Daily Value for vitamin B6.*

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble B vitamin essential in over 100 enzymatic processes throughout the body.¹ For example, this vitamin is involved in the formation of red blood cells, immune system cells, nerve cells, proteins, and in the production of energy.^1,2

Benefits of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 may, with other B vitamins, reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease.^1–4 Vitamin B6 deficiency, typically occurring with deficiencies in other B vitamins (e.g. folate, vitamin B12), may result in anemia.^1,3

 Thus, adequate intake of vitamin B6 may help reduce the risk of anemia in some people. Vitamin B6 helps make another B vitamin called niacin (vitamin B3) from the amino acid tryptophan, so vitamin B6 can be an important source of niacin.¹

 Furthermore, vitamin B6 may play a role in cognitive function as it is involved in myelin formation (the covering of nerve cells) and in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.^1,3

Sources of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 can be found naturally in many foods including fresh grapefruit. Significant food sources of vitamin B6 are potatoes, chickpeas, meat, poultry, fish, avocados, and bananas.