← Return to B-6 vitamin danger!

Discussion

B-6 vitamin danger!

Neuropathy | Last Active: May 7 12:13pm | Replies (294)

Comment receiving replies
@kristi18

I was recently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and my lab values are normal except my B6, it is very high 194.5 and I don’t take a lot of supplements, mainly basic vitamins, magnesium zinc vitamin C turmeric CLA and melatonin Tylenol PM and I take gabapentin. I was getting ready to do an intolerance test with a homeopathic doctor, do you have any other suggestions or advice for me?

Jump to this post


Replies to "I was recently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and my lab values are normal except my B6,..."

Welcome @kristi18, I'm guessing you are not taking any multi-vitamins or drinking energy drinks which may contain excess B6. This article suggests a few things you can do including drinking more water.

--- How to Lower B6: https://www.livestrong.com/article/522968-how-to-lower-b6/

Did you discuss the B6 levels with your doctor as a possible cause of your peripheral neuropathy?

My PN is from VitB6 toxicity. That vitamin is in many supplements and certain foods. Good thing is there is hope to heal, but it’s a process that can take time. If you are on Facebook check the group “Understanding Vitamin B6 to Toxicity using Western Medicine”. They give a protocol to follow that has been helping me. Good luck.

Many of the items you mention taking may also contain added b6. I became b6 toxic from melatonin that had 10mg added b6 as well as EmergC. Some magnesium also has added b6. If taken for months or years amounts as low as 20mg of b6 have been shown to cause PN. In my opinion no one needs b6 supplements considering all the b6 we get from natural foods as well as food fortified with b6.

A lot of supplements include vitamin B6. As others have said, magnesium and multivitamins are among the most likely to include way too much.

In May I had a blood test to see if I was deficient in vitamin B6. The test came back with a pathology warning that I was at high risk for peripheral neuropathy with B6 level at 720 nmol/L - normal range is 20 - 190 nmol/L. I was told to check supplements, especially magnesium. The magnesium I'd been taking for over 10yrs included 60mg of B6, a toxic dose when taken daily, as I was. The recommended daily dose is 1-3mg.

I immediately switched magnesium brands to one with no B6 and my latest blood test is B6: 80 nmol/L. Back to normal. No wonder I had years of unexplained intermittent hand and feet numbness.

Have you checked the ingredients list for every one of your supplements for B6 (pyridoxine), starting with the magnesium? You may be surprised to find it in one or more of them.