• 07/02/2025 09:41

Why excessive use of vitamin B6 can cause nervous disorders and how to avoid intoxication

As IZ reports with reference to Science Alert, vitamin B6 plays an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the body, ensuring protein synthesis, the production of red blood cells and regulating the nervous system. However, recently there have been more and more cases of intoxication due to excessive consumption of this vitamin. It is known that an overdose of B6 can cause symptoms such as tingling in the extremities, numbness and even impaired coordination of movements. Many people get this vitamin from supplements and do not even know that their intake exceeds the permissible norms.

Under normal conditions, excess water-soluble vitamin B6 is easily excreted from the body. However, in some cases, it accumulates in the blood, which can cause serious problems, including peripheral neuropathy. This is a disorder in which the nerve endings responsible for sensitivity and motor activity are damaged. Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to loss of the ability to move normally. Studies show that excess B6 can affect the functioning of neurotransmitters, in particular GABA, which impairs the transmission of nerve impulses. In some cases, even after stopping high doses, irreversible consequences remain.

Due to the increase in the number of cases of poisoning, in 2022, regulatory authorities revised the permissible norms of this vitamin in food supplements. Previously, only products containing more than 50 mg of B6 had to carry warning labels, but now this limit has been reduced to 10 mg. In addition, the daily intake limit has been reduced from 200 mg to 100 mg. Despite this, scientific studies show that even doses of less than 50 mg can cause serious complications in some people. It is still not clear what the minimum dose can cause an overdose and which groups of people are more sensitive to the toxic effects of B6.

To avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to carefully check the composition of vitamin supplements before using them. It is especially important to consider that vitamin B6 can be contained not only in multivitamins, but also in preparations with magnesium, zinc or energy drinks. Taking several such supplements at the same time can lead to a hidden overdose. If you experience any suspicious symptoms, including numbness or weakness in your limbs, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult a specialist.

Recall that we previously wrote about healthy foods for your daily diet.

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