To ensure a milk B₆ concentration of 0.13 mg/L, it is estimated that about five times that amount of B₆ must be consumed in addition to the EAR of 1.1 mg/day.

In light of the evidence that low maternal intakes could lead to compromised B₆ status in the infant (Borschel, 1995), it would be prudent to add 0.6 mg of B₆ to the EAR of 1.1 mg for nonpregnant women, giving an EAR for lactation of 1.7 mg/day of B₆. Because this is an approximation based on a number of assumptions, no adjustment is made for adolescent females who are lactating.

The RDA for B₆ is set by assuming a coefficient of variation (CV) of 10 percent (see Chapter 1) because information is not available on the standard deviation of the requirement for B₆; the RDA is defined as equal to the EAR plus twice the CV to cover the needs of 97 to 98 percent of the individuals in the group (therefore, for B₆ the RDA is 120 percent of the EAR).

Data obtained from the 1995 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals indicates that the greatest contribution to vitamin B₆ intake of the U.S. adult population comes from fortified, ready-to-eat cereals; mixed foods (including sandwiches) with meat, fish, or poultry as the main ingredient; white potatoes and other starchy vegetables; and noncitrus fruits (Table 7-1). Especially rich sources are highly fortified cereals; beef liver and other organ meats; and highly fortified, soy-based meat substitutes.