Elena (WA) on 05/05/2025
Vitamin B6 toxicity can occur from long-term, high-dose supplementation, not usually from food sources alone.Symptoms include peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, pain in hands and feet), ataxia (loss of balance), and muscle weakness.
MTHFR polymorphisms ( which I have) can potentially affect how the body uses vitamin B6, possibly leading to both deficiency and, in some cases, an increased risk of toxicity. Specifically, individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms may experience disruptions in the conversion of pyridoxine (B6) to its active form, PLP. This can lead to apparent high levels of B6 in the blood, even with a true cellular deficiency, or make it harder for the body to properly utilize the vitamin.
So before trying to treat your peripheral neuropathy check your vitamin B6.
Replied by Art from California on 05/05/2025
Hi Elena,Vitamin B6 can be a double edged sword as too much or too little can cause peripheral neuropathy.
P5P, the active form of pyridoxine, avoids some of the toxicity of vitamin B6.
Art
Replied by Natasha from Osaka on 05/06/2025
Because B6 toxicity is a very serious issue, One has to test B6 levels first. Take no B supplements 2-3 days before the test. If it is high while other B vitamins are normal, then one must know if they have MTHFR polymorphism. Then one has to repeat the test after switching to P-5-P to make sure it is metabolizing properly.Replied by D from WA on 05/07/2025
European Food Safety Administration's newly established Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 12 mg/day. For men over 50 it is 1.7mg/dayProducts such as energy drinks, breakfast cereals and weight loss shakes can have up to 40 mg of vitamin B6,2300% RDA.
