Is there a connection between b6 toxicity and thyroid issues?
In the fall, I developed a series of odd symptoms, including vertigo, then tinnitus, brain fog, fatigue, muscle spasms, etc. as well as some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, including hair loss, constipation, etc. After seeing multiple doctors, one suggested I get my B levels checked. All were normal except for B6, which are extremely high (>250, with normal upper range of 21). I don't take supplements, really. An occasional multi-vitamin. At the same time, my TSH levels are on the rise. My normal is below 3 and they are now at close to 4.5. I've been taking NP Thyroid for more than 10 years at a very low dose. I can't figure out why my B6 levels would be so high, or how they might relate to other test results.
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Also, I spent 2 months avoiding any supplements and trying to eat a "low" b6 diet and my B6 levels just came back even higher.
Hello @lbishop, Welcome to Connect. Here's some information that explains the connection between the thyroid and Vitamin B6 that might be helpful.
"Does vitamin B6 affect thyroid?
Without this vitamin, the thyroid cannot utilise its iodine raw material efficiently to make the hormones. Pyridoxine B6 is needed even more by an overactive thyroid. Muscle weakness is very common in people with an overactive thyroid and in those who are also lacking in B6."
--- Vitamins and minerals and their importance for the Thyroid: https://thyroiduk.org/role-of-vitamins-and-minerals/.
You mentioned that you have been avoiding any supplements and trying to eat a low B6 diet. Do you drink any of the popular sports energy drinks which can be high in B6?
I have the EXACT problem. B6 toxicity from food alone and have hypothyroidism. Your story sounds exactly like mine. I tried cutting back on b6 foods, done tons of labs, taken tbyroid medication, etc. I’ve posted my journey on a Facebook group.
I believe I have a rare form of hypothyroidism called central hypothyroidism that is driving it.
I also have peripheral neuropathy
Anyway we can connect to compare notes and try and find a solution?
If links are allowed I could send you my documented journey and comments from the Facebook group.
Hello @proudx, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lbishop and others. New members are not able to post links for a short period of time to prevent advertisers from spamming our discussions. You might also be interested in the discussions started by @akalsas and @2luckyppl who also mentioned central hypothyroidism:
--- Central hypothyroidism: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/central-hypothyroidism/
--- Help! I have a new diagnosis of Pituitary/adrenal insufficiency,: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-i-have-a-new-diagnosis-of-pituitaryadrenal-insufficiency/
@johnbishop thank you for the information on B6 in regards to thyroid. I have heard that vitamin B has an impact on neuropathy but had no idea there was any connection to thyroid issues.
Same with me Cheryl. I didn’t know either. 🙃 My goal is to learn something new every day. My problem is I sometimes learn the same thing more than once 🙂
You have to take Pyridoxal 5 phosphate(active b6). This is the active version of b6, it is safe in large doses unlike inactive form pyridoxine. Active and inactive both work against each other in the body. Large amounts of pyridoxine will actually make you more deficient in b6 even though it shows up in your blood stream, you have to check your blood CELL. Half the population cannot convert pyridoxine into the active form Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate that goes into the cell. Unable to convert pyridoxine, it builds up in your system. The more active form you take the more it lowers the inactive form. I had every symptom of b6 deficiency which is also the same as the b6 toxicity and I landed myself in and out of the hospital. No one knew what was wrong with me. After learning this I took fully active forms of b vitamins including extra active b6 and each day I took it I got progressively better, I went from being bed bound and having seizures , swollen thyroid nausea every symptoms to feeling amazing after taking the active form. Before this My blood showed I was high in b6 in my blood stream but it wasn’t making its way into the cell, which is where genes come into play because if you have the MTHFR gene you don’t have the enzyme to convert inactive to active form. Causing deficiency or toxicity. Half the population has this gene. It’s hard to find a fully activated b complex but Klair Labs has one you can find on Amazon. Magnesium is needed to activate b vitamins. Glycinate is a good one. Hope this helps
What blood test did you take? Mine shows the active form p5p as high in blood stream so I’m obviously converting it.
What is your source of info that taking high amounts of p5p is safe? This seems like dangerous advice.
I am 74 years old and recently did genetic testing to find out what antidepressants I would be able to take. Interestedly, I discovered I have the MTHFR gene mutation. I have posted before about my difficulties with my TSH levels caused by Covid vaccine. The way the clinic pharmacist explained it, I have reduced folic acid conversion, decreased serum folate levels and increased homocysteine levels. MTHFR is needed to process amino acids and convert many substances from inactive to active forms in your body. Two of the substances MTHFR converts are folic acid to folate and B12 to methylcobalamin. Her recommendation was L-methyfolate 7.5-15 mg daily & methylocobalamin (B12) 1,000 mcg daily. Here I had been taking an over the counter B-12 for years that was not doing anything. From what I have researched it seems like since OTC supplements are man-made, if you have the MTHFR mutation you need to find natural vitamins. I am sure this has something to do with my thyroid issues and will be discussing with my endocrinologist this month.
I noticed below posts regarding P5P not causing B6 Toxicity. This is disproven by significant research at UndersrandingB6 Toxicity.com.