Too Much Vitamin B6 Can Be Toxic: Watch for These Symptoms

• Vitamin B: Risks of Excess B6
• Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
• Responsible Use of Supplements

According to ScienceAlert, in recent weeks, serious reactions have been reported in people who took over-the-counter supplements containing vitamin B6.

While this vitamin is essential for the body, an excess can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, and even difficulty walking.

That’s why it’s important to understand how it works, where it’s found, and when it can become a risk.

Vitamin B: What You Need to Know

1. Vitamin B6 is essential—but be careful with excess

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is key for more than 140 cellular processes: it regulates blood sugar, helps produce red blood cells, and supports proper brain function.

But in excess, this ally can turn into a silent enemy.

2. Where do we find vitamin B6?

It’s present in meats, dairy, eggs, and vegetables like spinach, kale, bananas, and potatoes.

It’s so easily accessible through diet that deficiency is rare—even among people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

3. How much vitamin B6 do you need daily?

• Adults aged 19 to 50: 1.3 mg
• Adults over 50: 1.7 mg (men) and 1.5 mg (women)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding: up to 1.9 mg

These are small amounts, easily met through a normal diet.

4. Why can too much be dangerous?

Although it’s water-soluble and the body usually eliminates what it doesn’t use, in rare cases, it can build up in the bloodstream.

This may lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition where sensory nerves are damaged and lose function.

5. Symptoms to Watch For

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Unexplained pain
• Trouble balancing or walking

These symptoms can develop gradually and may go unnoticed at first.

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6. How does toxicity occur?

The issue usually comes from supplements—not food. Multivitamins, energy drinks, or even magnesium or zinc pills may contain added vitamin B6.

Many people don’t even realize they’re consuming it in excess.

7. Regulation changes and warnings

Previously, a warning was only required for products with more than 50 mg per dose.

Now, any supplement with more than 10 mg must include a warning. The maximum daily recommended limit was also reduced from 200 mg to 100 mg, after reports of neuropathy even at lower doses.

8. Some Unanswered Questions

It’s still unclear why some people develop neuropathy at moderate doses while others do not.

Genetic factors, preexisting health conditions, or the specific chemical form of the supplement may play a role.

9. Tips to Avoid Problems

• Read supplement labels carefully
• Avoid stacking doses from multiple products
• Don’t take high doses without medical supervision
• See a professional if you experience tingling or numbness

In summary, vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient and easily obtained through a regular diet.

The risk of toxicity is low if you follow a balanced diet and take care with supplements. The key is staying informed and paying attention to your body.

Vitamin B supplements must be used responsibly.

They’re easy to find at stores like Target or on Amazon, but always consult a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.

Did you know that taking too many supplements could carry these risks?

SOURCE: ScienceAlert, English article: «Too Much Vitamin B6 Can Be Toxic. Here Are The Symptoms to Watch For».