This vitamin can “build up” in the body and cause serious health issues.
A health professional has issued a stark warning about the dangers of a common vitamin supplement, which could lead to “serious harm” if you take too much. The neurologist highlighted that while vitamin B6 supplements are generally considered safe, taking them in excess can cause unexpected and severe health issues.
Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in keeping our bodies running smoothly, prompting many individuals to take daily supplements to avoid deficiencies. However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, as one doctor has pointed out.
In a video uploaded to TikTok, US-based neurologist Dr Baibing Chen, known online as Dr Bing, cautioned his followers against excessive consumption of vitamin B6. Also referred to as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that supports brain development and helps maintain a healthy nervous and immune system.
It can be found in various foods such as pork, poultry, certain fish, peanuts, soya beans, oats, and bananas. Dr Bing, who boasts over 100,000 followers, warned: “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 shared an experience from his practice to illustrate his point. “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. 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 NHS states that the average adult needs the following amount of B6 daily:
- 1.4mg a day for men
- 1.2mg a day for women.
However, it is noted that you should be able to get all the vitamin B6 you need from your daily diet. The health body warns that taking an excessive amount of 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 advises. “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 have concerns about your B6 intake or any other vitamins, it’s recommended to consult with your GP.