Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine · pyridoxal phosphate · Vitamin B6

Mechanism

Vitamin B6, in its active form pyridoxal-5-phosphate, is the coenzyme of numerous transaminases and decarboxylases. Relevant for the calming context is its role as cofactor of aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase and glutamate decarboxylase, i.e. in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin (from tryptophan) and GABA (from glutamate). This underlies the use of B6 in combination with L-tryptophan and magnesium in calming supplements. In the horse, B6 is partly formed microbially in the hindgut; an independent calming effect beyond the cofactor effect is not established in the requirement-met animal. Vitamin B6 is not on the FEI EPSL.

Cautions

· Independent calming effect not established — acts as a cofactor
· Very high doses long term: neurological effects (sensory neuropathy) known from human data
· Useful mainly in combination with tryptophan/magnesium

Sources

NRC 2007NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Horses 2007

GfE 2014GfE, Empfehlungen zur Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNRC requirement low; supplementation in practice approx. 20–100 mg/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg), often as a tryptophan cofactor. Mind requirement basis.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

marstall

Not orderable →

Grundversorgung

Force

marstall

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Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Nervousness & Stress →cofactor of serotonin/GABA synthesis (with tryptophan)

All sources in the study library →

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.