The Australian Organizational Authority acknowledged that it has reduced the estimation of the side effects caused by excessive intake of vitamin B6 supplements that include nerve damage, and that it may be more prevalent than it believes.
David Kanovsky, David Kanovsky, from Australia, told Australia that 4.5% of the samples that were examined throughout Australia last May showed firm results that their owners are severely vulnerable to nerve damage, according to the British Independent.
What are vitamin B6 supplements? How can it be toxic? What are the symptoms that should be paid attention to?
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, is essential vitamin that melts in water and the body needs many vital functions, as it is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food, and provides energy for the body. It also plays a role in the health of the nervous system, as it is important for the production of neurotransmitters, which maintain the functions of the brain.
Vitamin B6 provides support for the immune system, as it helps in forming antibodies that fight infection, and is also necessary to produce hemoglobin, which is the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the various tissues of the body.
It is believed that vitamin B6 supplements help women during pregnancy reduce the feeling of nausea associated with the early stages of pregnancy, as they help some women reduce the symptoms of pre -menstruation syndrome, a group of physical and psychological symptoms that appear in women in the period near the menstrual cycle.
In general, most people do not need to take vitamin B6 supplements, because the body does not need large quantities of it. The needs of most adults range between 1.3 and 1.7 milligrams per day, and the body can be extended enough of it when eating meat, fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin B6 supplements are sold without a prescription in pharmacies at a daily dose of 5 and 200 milligrams, which exceeds daily needs. Therefore, the Australian therapeutic goods suggests its sale in pharmacies, and to prevent their disbursement without medical advice.
What happens when taking an overdose of vitamin B6?
When taking an overdose of vitamin B6, the excess of the urine in most cases, and no side effects will appear, but when taking large doses on the long term it can be harmful.
The peripheral neuropathy is a side effect that raises the concern of specialists, as damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord occurs. This results in pain, numbness, or weakness, usually in hands and feet.
The side effects disappear as soon as you stop taking the supplement, in most of the reported cases, but some people may need 3 months to two to two years before they feel a complete improvement.
There is increasing evidence that high doses that exceed 50 milligrams per day and on the long term can cause serious side effects. Where a report was issued in 2023 by a man who suffered from neuropathy as a result of eating multiple food supplements that contain a daily dose of 95 milligrams of vitamin B6.
Another report described 7 cases of neuropathy associated with energy drinks containing vitamin B6.
The reports submitted to the Australian therapeutic commodities management revealed that there are 174 cases of neuropathy linked to the use of vitamin B6 supplements since 2023.
What to do when eating vitamin B6
People who take a dose of 50 milligrams or more vitamin B6 are advised per day and regularly, for a period of more than 6 months, to undergo medical control and discuss the continuity of taking it with a doctor.
Care must be careful with these side effects associated with neuropathy:
- Numbness or pain in the feet and hands.
- Difficulty in balance and coordination when moving as a result of muscle weakness.
- Burning stomach and nausea.