As wellness trends encourage the widespread use of over-the-counter vitamins, health experts are raising concerns about the potential dangers of excessive vitamin B6 intake. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia has issued a new warning, emphasizing that while vitamin supplements are generally safe when taken as directed, overconsumption can lead to serious side effects.
Dr. David Kanowski, a chemical pathologist at Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology in Brisbane, has noted a rise in cases of peripheral neuropathy among patients. This condition, characterized by weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet, is associated with nerve damage linked to elevated levels of vitamin B6 in the bloodstream.
“An increase in over-the-counter vitamin usage has led to a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy, as people may not be aware of the risks associated with high doses,” Dr. Kanowski explained. He highlighted that while obtaining sufficient vitamin B6 from dietary sources is important, such as fish, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits, supplementation should be approached with caution.
Vitamin B6 is commonly found in multivitamin and mineral supplements available at supermarkets, health food stores, and pharmacies. Recent regulations by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) now require warning labels on products containing more than 10 mg of vitamin B6 per daily dose, a decrease from the previous threshold of 50 mg.
Despite these regulations, Dr. Kanowski cautioned that peripheral neuropathy can still occur at doses below 50 mg, as vitamin B6 can accumulate in the body over time. For instance, many magnesium supplements include vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), and consuming multiple tablets daily can lead to excessive intake. A person taking two magnesium tablets per day could inadvertently ingest up to 120 mg of vitamin B6, well above the recommended dietary allowance of 1.3 to 2.0 mg per day, with a maximum safe limit of 50 mg.
“The cumulative effect of vitamin B6, with a half-life of up to 30 days, can result in dangerously high blood concentrations,” Dr. Kanowski warned. He emphasized the importance of reading supplement labels carefully to avoid unintentional overdoses.
As the trend towards self-medication with vitamins grows, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and to consult healthcare professionals when considering high doses of supplements.