A neurologist has warned against taking “too much” of a specific vitamin supplement as it can cause “serious harm”. The expert explained how vitamin B6 supplements may seem safe, but in excess, they can lead to unexpected health issues.
Vitamins and minerals are vital for ensuring our bodies function to the best of their abilities. For this reason, many people choose to take daily supplements to ensure they’re not missing out.
While this is usually fine, a doctor explained that you could actually be doing more harm than good. In a video shared to social media platform TikTok, US-based neurologist , who goes by Dr Bing, urged people not to overindulge in vitamin B6.
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Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin essential for numerous bodily functions, including brain development, and maintaining a healthy nervous and immune system. It is found in a range of different foods including pork, poultry, some fish, peanuts, soya beans, oats, and bananas.
Dr Bing told his more than 100,000 followers: “Many people assume vitamins are always safe to take but that's not always the case. And B6 can build up in the body and cause permanent nerve damage.”
He referenced a case study within his own line of work. “I saw someone with numbness, tingling and balance issues for a few months, but the blood tests for diabetes, thyroid function and vitamin B12 deficiency all came back normal,” Dr Bing continued.
“After asking more questions, it was found that she was taking high-dose vitamin B6 supplement for several years after reading that it could boost brain function and she was drinking energy drinks that contain high levels of B6. This just goes to show that just because it's a vitamin, more isn't always better.
“And in this case, too much can cause serious harm.” The states that the average adult needs the following amount of B6 daily:
But it notes that you should be able to get all the vitamin B6 you need from your daily diet. The health body warns that taking too much B6 can lead to permanent damage.
“Taking 200mg or more a day of vitamin B6 can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs known as peripheral neuropathy,” the NHS says. “This will usually improve once you stop taking the supplements.
“But in a few cases when people have taken large amounts of vitamin B6, particularly for more than a few months, the effect can be permanent. The effect of taking vitamin B6 at doses between 10 and 200 mg is unclear.
“So there's not enough evidence to say how long these doses could be taken for safely.” If you are concerned about your B6 levels, or levels of any other vitamin, you should speak to your GP.
