Higher Dietary Vitamin B6 Intake Is Associated With Lower Gallstone Prevalence: Medicine | August 2026

Introduction:

Vitamin B6 participates in cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammatory pathways that may influence gallstone formation. This population-based analysis examined whether dietary vitamin B6 intake is associated with gallstone prevalence in U.S. adults.

Why was this study needed?

Gallstone disease is common and has important metabolic risk factors.

Modifiable dietary contributors to gallstone prevention remain poorly defined.

Vitamin B6 has plausible biological links to cholesterol handling and inflammation.

Large population-level data evaluating this association have been lacking.

Results:

Among 9,273 NHANES participants, gallstone prevalence was approximately 10%.

Higher dietary vitamin B6 intake was independently associated with lower odds of gallstones after adjustment for major clinical and lifestyle factors.

The inverse relationship appeared roughly linear, with a clearer association above about 1.66 mg/day.

The association was stronger in some metabolic and demographic subgroups, but these findings should be considered exploratory.

Clinical Impact:

The study suggests that vitamin B6 intake may be one component of a broader dietary pattern associated with lower gallstone risk. However, because this was a cross-sectional observational analysis based on self-reported gallstone history, it cannot establish causality or justify vitamin B6 supplementation specifically for gallstone prevention.

Bottom Line:

Higher dietary vitamin B6 intake was associated with lower gallstone prevalence in U.S. adults, but the finding is observational. At present, it supports healthy dietary intake rather than recommending vitamin B6 supplements specifically to prevent gallstones.