Vitamin B6, commonly known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin required by the body for a variety of tasks. It is necessary for protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters (1,2). Because your body cannot synthesize vitamin B6, you must receive it from diet or supplementation. Vitamin B6 works with other nutrients in the body to support immune function, nerve transmission, healthy skin, and more. Pyridoxine helps protect against stress on the nervous system. Vitamin B6 is also important for the synthesis of serotonin, which is involved in mood regulation. Some studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin B6 may be linked to depression. However, more research is needed on this topic. Finally, vitamin B6 plays a role in the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine, which reduces risk for cardiovascular disease. Pyridoxine is found in abundance in dairy products, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and some fruits. Whole milk contains about 1.4 mg per cup while 2% milk contains about 1.7 mg per cup. Other high-protein foods such as chicken, turkey, and beef contain varying amounts depending on the type of meat used. For example, ground beef has around 3 mg per half pound while beef liver contains up to 40 mg per ounce. Pyridoxine is one of the most common vitamins added to dietary supplements.