- Written By: Sara Schmidt
- Edited By: Andrew Jones
- Last Modified Date: 23 March 2012
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Because of concern about ingesting enough vitamins and minerals for their daily needs, many people opt to take supplements. Sometimes this can cause an overdose of certain vitamins and minerals. One such overdose, vitamin B6 toxicity, can result in painful symptoms and bodily harm.
An overdose of a certain vitamin or mineral is known as a megadose. A megadose of vitamin B6 can occur when a person ingests more than .012 ounces (500 milligrams) of the vitamin compound. This usually happens when the vitamin taker is using a supplement known as pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, which may be ordered by a physician to treat conditions such as premenstrual symptoms and carpal tunnel.
Vitamin B6 toxicity symptoms can range from mildly irritating to harmful. Patients may experience headaches, irritability, or fatigue. Depression can result from more severe damage. In the most severe cases, nerve damage and disorders can also develop. These may result in body imbalance and loss of sensation in the legs.
Numbness in hands and feet, poor coordination, loss of sensitivity to touch, and difficulty walking can also result. People with vitamin B6 toxicity may lose their sensation to vibration or temperature as well. Usually this type of symptom occurs after high doses are ingested for a long period of time. In cases this serious, patients may experience fatigue or general tiredness for up to six months.
In order to receive a diagnosis of vitamin B6 toxicity, a person should consult with his or her physician. Clinical tests will be administered to determine whether or not toxicity of vitamin B6 is present. In order to stop the toxicity if present, the patient will be instructed to refrain from taking vitamin B6.
If patients have developed severe problems from vitamin B6 toxicity, they may never fully recover. For those who do recover, it is a slow process. To prevent this toxicity from occurring, it is recommended that adults ingest no more than .007 ounces (200 milligrams) of the vitamin compound daily.
Pyridoxine is a water soluble B-vitamin. It is one of eight different vitamins in the B group. A coenzyme, it serves to help protein and carbohydrates metabolize in the body. It is important in the body's production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and insulin. The coenzyme is also used in various body processes, including central nervous system function, neurotransmitter functions, energy production, maintaining muscle and nerve cells, and immune system actions. It also helps produce DNA.
Related Videos
Discuss this Article
|
anon256746
Post 6 |
What could cause a high B-6 level if you are only taking half of the daily dose? My daughter-in-law has all the symptoms mentioned here. She has been tested for many things: lyme disease, MS, etc. over the last two years. She has white lesions on her MRI but was told it was not MS. Four months ago, her specialist told her to cut her multi-vitamin in half because her B-6 was high. She has done that but is only getting worse and her B-6 level is still high. Our Grandson would like his Momma back. Any ideas? |
|
anon173387
Post 5 |
I was taking Pure Essence Men's One Daily multivitamin for the past two years. I have been feeling bad for a while now (headaches, shakiness, off balance, recent tingling in my arm, extreme fatigue) and I am only 28. I was told my a representative at the health food store that this bottle of $45 vitamins is top notch and all natural so I have been using it. I never cared to look at the Daily Value percentage and never thought anything of it. Recently, I went to my primary doctor, who referred me to neurologist, etc. Long story short, after a ton of blood work and MRI tests for MS, and every major disease, they found that my Vitamin B6 levels were very high and she told me I most likely had Vitamin B6 toxicity. My neurologist instructed me to stop taking any multivitamins immediately and carry on with my regular diet. I'm on day one and we will see how this plays out. After looking at the label of the Multivitamin, the percentage DV of almost all of the vitamins was ridiculously high. 1500 percent of the DV is not acceptable, even if they sales reps tell you that "your body doesn't absorb most of it". Don't be fooled, every body is different and your kidneys/liver still have to filter it which can be toxic alone. This is huge, and I've warned all of my friends and family. Bottom line: I would recommend to anyone, please be careful what you put in your body. If you choose to take a multivitamin or B6 or anything, look at the percentage DV and don't exceed 100 percentage. Good luck to all and I wish all a healthy life. |
|
anon129031
Post 4 |
I was diagnosed with B6 toxicity a year ago after suffering for four years with nerve pain, burning, numbness, stinging, fatigue, headaches, difficulty walking and much more. And I was only taking a flinstone children's vitamin. My level was 139, and now it is a normal 12. This should be taken with caution. I am in my seventh month of recovery and I still am in much pain. It is a misunderstood condition and very little info out there and some doctors never even heard of it. Be very careful when you take this vitamin even though it is water soluble, be very careful. |
|
Charlie89
Post 3 |
I've been taking a vitamin B6 100 mg pill every day for the past year -- do you think that it could lead to vitamin B6 toxicity? I am not having any symptoms (yet), but after reading this I'm kind of worried that I'm poisoning myself.
Should I stop taking my vitamin until I see a doctor, or do you think that I'll be OK? |
|
EarlyForest
Post 2 |
Although vitamin B6 toxicity is really dangerous, let me remind you that vitamin B6 deficiency can also be very serious.
Vitamin B6 deficiency side effects include severe dermatitis, cracked lips and skin, an inflamed tongue, and poor coordination.
There are also a number of neurological side effects as well -- people who don't eat enough vitamin B6 foods often end up with the symptoms of depression, as well as insomnia.
So take this article as it is intended -- as a warning for too much B6, not as a warning against B6 altogether. |
|
pharmchick78
Post 1 |
I'm so glad you wrote this article. So many people take the "more is better" approach with vitamins, which is not only unhealthy -- it can be deadly!
This is especially true with vitamin B6. Though there are tons of vitamin B6 benefits, and it is a crucial vitamin for maintaining health, vitamin B6 toxicity can be extremely dangerous.
As you mentioned, an excess of vitamin B6 includes side effects like tingling and numbness in the extremities. This can even make you lose the ability to walk properly permanently if you continue taking an inappropriate amount.
Additionally, vitamin B6 toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shakiness, and staggering.
So don't risk it -- get the appropriate levels of vitamin B6, but don't overdo it. |
