Vitamin B6 Toxicity

What are the facts concerning Vitamin B6 toxicity?  In this article we discuss why a deficiency of this vitamin may be more problematical than an excess.... by M. Daniels, who has been professionally writing and editing technical non-fiction articles and publications for over 3 decades.

Among all of the vitamins which we commonly use, vitamin B6, which is also known as pyridoxine, is one of the least toxic, and is generally considered safe when consumed at a rate of less than 200 mg per day by adults.

The fact that it is generally safe does not mean that you need not ever worry about the effects of an overdose, because of some mistake or freak conditions, it might be possible to suffer some toxic consequences.  But, just to make sure there's no reason for panic over this, it is highly unlikely that a person would start to display any symptoms of overdose until an intake of over 200 mgs per day were repeated continually over a period of time.

Symptoms of Overdose

The signs which would signal the consequences of vitamin B6 toxicity would include a combination of

• poor coordination
  
  
• staggering
  
  
• numbness
  
  
• decreased sensation to touch
  
  
• fever
  
  
• trembling
  
  
• constant fatigue for up to six months
  
  
  

Consequences of Overdose

If vitamin B6 is continually ingested at excessive dosage over an extended period certain neurological disorders, such as loss of sensation in legs and imbalance could result. Vitamin B6 toxicity can damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as creating difficulty in walking.

Benefits of Vitamin B6

Offseting these precautions, it is vital to note that Vitamin B6 may be the most important vitamin which our body needs.  It certainly supports more vital bodily functions than any other vitamin.

This vitamin is a coenzyme for several enzyme systems, which means it is used in the body for the processing of amino acids and performs this task along with specific enzymes.

It is vital in the metabolism of amino acids in the intestines. It allows the amino acids to be synthesized, broken down and absorbed. The manufacture of histamine, serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline are dependent on vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is required for the production of serotonin and helps the body to maintain a healthy immune system, protects the heart from cholesterol deposits, and prevents kidney stone formation.

Vitamin B6 Uses

Vitamin B6 is used in the treatment of sideroblast anemia, neurologic disturbances, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and cheilosis.

In combination with folic acid and vitamin B12, vitamin B6 lowers the levels of homocysteine which is an amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke, and possibly other diseases such as osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's.

It is needed for balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as aiding the immune system and the growth of new cells.

Vitamin B6 may be useful to some women who have a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (also known as premenstrual syndrome or PMS), and may be helpful in some cases of gestational diabetes and protection against metabolic imbalances which accompany the use of certain oral contraceptives.

Vitamin B6 promotes iron excretion and has been used in the treatment of iron storage diseases.

Sources of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is contained in some amounts in virtually all foods. Foods that contain the highest amounts are:

• brewer's yeast
  
  
• carrots
  
  
• chicken
  
  
• eggs
  
  
• fish
  
  
• meat
  
  
• peas
  
  
• spinach
  
  
• sunflower seeds
  
  
• walnuts
  
  
• wheat germ.

Other sources of vitamin B6 are whole grains, bread, liver, cereals, spinach, green beans, and bananas.

Tips and Hints

Pyridoxine is needed in proportion to the amount of protein consumed.

Vitamin B6 is sensitive to ultraviolet light and heat, so large amounts of this nutrient are lost during the cooking process.

As a water soluble vitamin, B6 is not stored in the body, and is excreted within a few hours after being consumed.

B6 is needed for the proper absorption of vitamin B12.

Extra amounts of B6 may be needed by persons using birth control pills.

Persons who consume high amounts of protein may require extra B6.

Vitamin B6 works best in combination with vitamins B1, B2 and C, together with pantothetic acid and magnesium.

Get your Supplements

In conclusion, rather than being concerned with Vitamin B6 toxicity, most people need to be concerned with making certain that they have an adequate balanced supply of this vital vitamin.  One of the most popular ways of doing this is using a high quality, carefully formlated balanced supplement such as Total Balance made by Xtend Life.

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