A neurologist has warned that taking too much vitamin B6 can lead to permanent nerve damage, despite the supplement being commonly seen as safe. Dr Baibing Chen, known as Dr Bing on TikTok, highlighted the risks in a recent video to his followers.
Dr Bing recounted a case where a patient experienced numbness, tingling and balance issues for months. Tests for diabetes, thyroid function and vitamin B12 deficiency came back normal, but further questioning revealed she had been taking high-dose vitamin B6 supplements for years and consuming energy drinks containing high levels of the vitamin.
“Many people assume vitamins are always safe to take, but that's not always the case,” Dr Bing said. “B6 can build up in the body and cause permanent nerve damage.” The NHS advises that taking 200mg or more of vitamin B6 a day can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the arms and legs.
While stopping the supplements usually leads to improvement, the health body warns that in some cases where large amounts have been taken for more than a few months, the effect can be permanent. The NHS states that most people can get all the vitamin B6 they need from a balanced diet, and taking high doses unnecessarily can be harmful.
Dr Bing urged caution, saying: “Just because it's a vitamin, more isn't always better. In this case, too much can cause serious harm.” Anyone concerned about their B6 intake is advised to consult their GP.
