Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in food and dietary supplements

Analysis of vitamin B6 as pyridoxine in food using an HPLC-MS/MS method based on AOAC 2015.14. Measured parameters also include pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. For supplements, a UPLC-MS/MS method is used.

According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on providing food information to consumers, the daily reference intake for vitamin B6 is 1.4 mg. Vitamin B6 may be included in the nutrition declaration if it is present in food products in at least the following amounts:

• 210 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake)

• 105 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake)

• 210 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake)

Foods and beverages that contain at least the above amounts of vitamin B6 can be labeled with the nutrition claim "Source of vitamin B6." Some of the health claims applicable to such products include the following:

• "Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism"

• "Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function"

• "Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity"

• "Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue"