Peripheral neuropathy, aches and vitamin supplements- caution about B6

Well done, @Tri - I was just about to put that link up myself!!   

The toxicity of excess amounts of Vit B6 can lead to permanent nerve damage, starting off with tingling in the feet & legs, then numbness  .... even being permanently crippled and possibly death (not sure if that would be from the toxicity or from a fall ....)  

I was always told that the 'water soluble' vitamins (Vits B & C in particular) were excreted in your urine if it was taken in too large a dose!  That's now been proven WRONG!! 

But You DO still have to be careful of the 'fat soluble' ones tho (A,D,E & K) as they ARE stored in the body if taken to excess!

Here's Another ABC report here - where Doctors have even become affected by it, not realising the toxic nature of it! ....
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-08/vitamin-b6-toxicity-peripheral-neuropathy-health-supplements/104793006 ;

Everyone should check the fine print of any Vit B6 & multi vitamin supplements (it is even in diet 'shakes' and magnesium tablets.)  As most people have accidentally taken the overdose - as Vit B6 is in SO MANY of the different supplements!

Also there's been 2 discussions about it on ABC's 7.30 Report here:

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/7-30/series/0/video/SEGS2025104797620

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/7-30/series/0/video/NC2501H013S00

Thanks @arpie
I am relieved you were thinking the same way… I hesitated a bit because I realise vitamins are of value when taken in the right dose and didn’t want to alarm people, especially as we are looking for relief from new aches or neuropathy. 

Timely reminder for all!  We always say if you feel you need supplements,  vitamins or something else please check with your medical team........

Those of us who take vitamin B because it might help neuropathy (suggested by oncology nurse) find it all a bit confusing! I’m checking my supplements (for the umpteenth time) with my doctor but working on the basis that what hasn’t caused harm in over 11 years probably isn’t about to now! Always one thing or another! 

Thank you guys I have just started supplementing with B, I have to with D everyday as per doctors orders.  Will double check with Bs next time I am with oncologist.

thank you so much for sharing!! @arpie and @tri

An interesting discussion: my neuropathy has started to become a real nuisance. I am taking a Vitamin B complex. How could I know if it is causing damage, as the symptoms—tingling, numbness, and the potential for permanent nerve damage—are the same as those of neuropathy. I will check with my doctor next time. Is anyone currently taking medication for neuropathy? 

@GorgyS - next time you see your GP, ask for a blood test including Vit B6 levels - and if you are continuing with B6 supplements (or magnesium or other supplements mentioned in the info from @tri & my post - have them checked every time you have blood tests, to be sure, to be sure.  

I believe the tingling & numbness are consistent symptoms of neuropathy .... so it is well worth being aware of this.

As with any medication - different people react differently .... so it is important to monitor your levels of ALL Vitamins & particularly other 'over the counter' meds.  Some are actually counter productive to some BC treatments - so always check with your medical team if there are any 'contraindications/problems' with anything that is not prescribed.  Even taking Fish Oil capsules can affect your blood thinning ... so if you are put ON TO blood thinners, you are usually asked to NOT take Fish Oil Capsules as well!

take care

@Fraser ... I have Vit B12 injections every 3 months due to low levels, but as I don't take supplements or weight loss stuff, I should be OK & safe from doubling up (and it is a different one to B6.)   

It seems that there are a lot of supplements that have Vit B6 in them (the problem one, if taken to excess) but it is not always obvious in the labeling (sometimes only seen in the small print.)

Those taking numerous supplements (any of them) with Vit B6 are the ones to keep an eye on, as cumulatively, the combined dosage may cause an accidental overdose ... which may even  'appear to be' neuropathy symptoms, with people taking even more again, as it is seen to be a possibly solution to 'reduce' the symptoms!   

Personally, I'd be getting a blood test if you've been on Vit B6 for a long time ... particularly if you're taking other supplements as well.    Take care

Hi @GorgyS
I feel for you if you’re already experiencing neuropathy and it’s becoming more difficult for you. As @arpie suggested it could be very insightful for you to get a blood test to identify your Vit B levels and see whether or not that’s could be contributing to a problem (or not). 
Regarding treatment for neuropathy, I discussed the option to take Lyrica for the nerve pain in my feet with my oncologist especially as it was waking me at night. In the end I decided not to, I took Panadol or Nuromol instead. At the time I also took magnesium tablets on and off as I thought they would help with the ankle and feet aches (not the electric shock type neuropathy pain).  But I have stopped taking this now. 

just found the information from Mez-BCNA and will go through these resources 

Peripheral neuropathy | My Journey
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Thank you Mez_BCNA and all for your support