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
Knowledge connections
Frequently asked questions
Is Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)?
Stated in the profile: NRC 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. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)?
The profile cites: NRC 2007, GfE 2014, and FEI EPSL 2024.
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.
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Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.