

It has been proposed that vitamin B 6 in supplements should be in pyridoxal or pyridoxal phosphate form rather than pyridoxine as these are thought to reduce the likelihood of toxicity. Symptoms may also be dependent on the form of vitamin B 6 taken in supplements. Megavitamin-B 6 syndrome has been reported in doses as low as 24 mg/day. It is also possible that some individuals are more susceptible to the toxic effects of vitamin B 6 than others. Symptom severity appears to be dose-dependent (higher doses cause more severe symptoms) and the duration of supplementation with vitamin B 6 before onset of systems appears to be inversely proportional to the amount taken daily (the smaller the daily dosage, the longer it will take for symptoms to develop). Potential psychiatric symptoms range from anxiety, depression, agitation, and cognitive deficits to psychosis. Megavitamin-B 6 syndrome may also contribute to burning mouth syndrome. The ability to sense vibrations and to sense one's position are diminished to a greater degree than pain or temperature.

Patients may experience unsteadiness of gait, incoordination ( ataxia), involuntary muscle movements ( choreoathetosis) the sensation of an electric zap in their bodies ( Lhermitte's sign), a heightened sensitivity to sense stimuli including photosensitivity ( hyperesthesia), impaired skin sensation ( hypoesthesia), numbness around the mouth, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and heartburn. The predominant symptom is peripheral sensory neuropathy that is experienced as numbness, pins-and-needles and burning sensations ( paresthesia) in a patient's limbs on both sides of their body.

While it is also known as hypervitaminosis B 6, vitamin B 6 toxicity and vitamin B 6 excess, megavitamin-b6 syndrome is the name used in the ICD-10. Megavitamin-B 6 syndrome is a collection of symptoms that can result from chronic supplementation, or acute overdose, of vitamin B 6. Symptom progression for 2-6 weeks following cessation of vitamin B 6, followed by gradual improvement. Ĭessation of vitamin B 6 supplementation. Progressive mixed sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy of undetermined etiology. Serum testing for elevated levels of vitamin B 6, testing of tendon reflexes, nerve conduction studies and electrodiagnostic testing. Impaired kidney function, parenteral nutrition Ĭhronic vitamin B 6 supplementation, or acute parenteral or oral over‐dosages of vitamin B 6. Usually, but not always, resolves within 6 months from cessation of vitamin B 6. Gradual onset with slow progression, in the usual case of chronic vitamin B 6 supplementation.

Vitamin B 6 Excess, Hypervitaminosis B 6, Vitamin B 6 Toxicity Medical condition Megavitamin-B 6 syndrome
