Contents
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause toxicity, neurological disorders; know the signs and symptomsWhy is vitamin b6 important?,What is vitamin b6 toxicity?Neurological disordersperipheral neuropathyOther symptomsHow to get enough vitamin B6 without the risk of toxicity?Include food-based sourcesTake your dosage carefullyTalk to your doctor
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause toxicity, neurological disorders; know the signs and symptoms
Vitamin B6 is one of the most important nutrients that maintain your overall health and well-being. However, even though it does not cause any side effects, too much B6 through supplementation can cause toxicity, leading to neurological disorders, anemia, kidney problems, peripheral neuropathy, and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Read on to know the signs and symptoms.
Doctors say that the recommended daily dosage of vitamin B6 for men over the age of 50 is 1.7 mg.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is packed with numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain health and mood regulation, improving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy in women. However, according to experts, this important nutrient can be extremely toxic if you consume it in excess.
Recently, an elderly Australian man was diagnosed with a vitamin B6 deficiency after he completely lost the ability to walk after consuming more than the amount of vitamin B6 prescribed by his doctor. The 86-year-old was reportedly taking 70 times the recommended daily dose and slowly began to lose sensation in his legs.
Doctors say that the recommended daily dosage of vitamin B6 for men over the age of 50 is 1.7 mg.
Why is vitamin b6 important?,
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in food. The enzymes present in B6 help perform various bodily functions such as the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats and support the strength of the immune system. It is also very important for brain development and regulation.
A good amount of vitamin B6 is found naturally in a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables.
What is vitamin b6 toxicity?
Although experts say vitamin B6 toxicity is a rare occurrence as the excess is usually excreted from the body through urine, the excess remains in the body and causes problems like neuropathy in the legs and arms and loss of control over body movements.
Usually, a mild deficiency of vitamin B6 does not cause any problems, however, at times, it may lead to the following problems:
Neurological disorders
Excessive doses of the vitamin can cause serious neurological disorders like loss of sensation in the legs and imbalance.
peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that causes tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands and feet. It occurs at low doses, even as low as 50 mg, and is more likely to occur if you take more than one supplement.
Other symptoms
These include sensitivity to sunlight, headaches, depression and anxiety, stomach pain, loss of appetite, painful skin lesions, heartburn, anemia, kidney problems, and decreased ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures.
How to get enough vitamin B6 without the risk of toxicity?
Some tips to ensure you are getting enough vitamin B6 without the risk of toxicity include:
Include food-based sources
Before resorting to oral supplements, consider adding more B6-rich foods to your diet. Since concentrations of B6 in food are generally low, the risk of B6 toxicity through food is low.
Take your dosage carefully
If you’ve been prescribed an oral B6 supplement, follow it exactly. Do not exceed the Food and Nutrition Board’s UL recommendation for your age.
Talk to your doctor
If you still have doubts about taking B6 supplements, talk to your doctor about your concerns so you can know all the additional information and precautions.
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