Supplements and vitamin B6 toxicity
Over the last month, an unfortunate story has been unfolding across the Tasman concerning vitamin B6 toxicity.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), there’ve been at least 121 confirmed cases of poisoning by the synthetic form of the vitamin—and health professionals believe that cases have been under-reported.
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is vital for healthy brain, immune and nervous system function. It’s also necessary for the formation of red blood cells and for healthy skin.
It’s found naturally in many foods including:
- Poultry
- Fish
- Liver and organ meats
- Potatoes
- Bananas
- Wholegrain cereals
- Legumes
Vitamin B6 supplements may be prescribed in cases of kidney disease, inability to absorb nutrients in the small intestine, or some autoimmune conditions. Alcohol abuse and some epilepsy medications can also cause B6 deficiency.
Although vitamin B6 is excreted through the urine, taking too much of it for too long has cumulative effects.
The vitamin is found in most foods and a deficiency is therefore rare.
Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (10th edition)
Why are people taking too much B6?
The people the ABC spoke to didn’t realise that they were, until they experienced symptoms and were diagnosed. Vitamin B6 is an ingredient of many over-the-counter multivitamin and mineral supplements. According to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), it’s often combined with zinc or magnesium. So if you’re taking a multi-vitamin and a magnesium supplement and starting off your day with a protein shake, it’s likely you’re getting a triple dose of B6.
To complicate matters, labelling often uses the chemical name for B6 rather than the common name. There are a number of chemical names, including these:
- pyridoxine
- pyridoxal
- pyridoxamine
Unwittingly taking too much vitamin B6 for too long is definitely too much of a good thing.
The side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 can include:
- peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage resulting in numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet
- muscle weakness
- weight loss
- insomnia.
The TGA says even low doses of B6 can trigger peripheral neuropathy. It’s not known why some people seem more prone to this than others.
If you’re concerned about your B6 intake
Review all vitamin and mineral supplements that you’re taking to establish how much vitamin B6 you’re ingesting. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be linked to toxicity, stop taking all over-the-counter vitamins and other supplements immediately, and see your doctor.
Do not take high doses of vitamin B6 if you’re pregnant. The vitamin crosses the placenta and can cause dependency in infants.
There is no treatment or antidote for B6 toxicity, other than waiting for the effects to wear off. In many cases they do once the supplement is discontinued. Be aware, though, that this can take a while.
Remember: you won’t suffer toxicity from eating foods rich in vitamin B6. The issue is with synthetic supplements.
Can herbs help?
There are certainly herbs that can gently nourish and relax your nerves. Others can help your liver to metabolise and excrete substances faster. Some are highly nutritive as well. They’re not addictive or mind-altering, and won’t leave you feeling groggy or dealing with side effects. However, matching the right herb in the correct dose for the right person requires an in-person consultation. If you want to know more, please get in touch.
