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When should you not take vitamin B6?

Understanding Vitamin B6 and Its Risks
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood regulation, and the production of neurotransmitters. While it is essential for health, there are specific circumstances under which individuals should avoid taking vitamin B6 supplements.
When to Avoid Vitamin B6 Supplements
1. Excessive Intake Risks: One of the primary concerns with vitamin B6 supplementation is the risk of toxicity. High doses of vitamin B6, particularly over 100 mg per day, can lead to nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the extremities. This condition, known as sensory neuropathy, can be debilitating and may take time to resolve after discontinuation of the supplement.
2. Existing Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions should exercise caution. For instance, those with kidney disease may have difficulty processing excess vitamin B6, leading to potential complications. Additionally, people with hypothyroidism or diabetes should consult healthcare providers before starting supplementation, as these conditions can affect vitamin B6 metabolism.
3. Interactions with Medications: Vitamin B6 can interact with various medications, including those used for treating Parkinson’s disease and certain antibiotics. These interactions can either diminish the effectiveness of the medications or exacerbate side effects. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals on medication to discuss vitamin B6 supplementation with their healthcare provider.
4. Pregnancy Considerations: While vitamin B6 is often recommended to alleviate nausea during pregnancy, it is essential to do so under medical supervision. High doses during pregnancy have not been shown to reduce the risk of preterm birth and could pose risks to both the mother and the fetus.
5. Dietary Sufficiency: For most people, a balanced diet provides adequate amounts of vitamin B6. Foods rich in this vitamin include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals. If an individual is consuming a varied diet, additional supplementation may be unnecessary and could lead to the aforementioned risks.
Conclusion
While vitamin B6 is vital for health, it is not without its risks, particularly when taken in excess or in conjunction with certain medical conditions and medications. Individuals should approach supplementation with caution, ensuring they consult healthcare professionals to tailor their intake to their specific health needs. By doing so, they can avoid potential adverse effects while still reaping the benefits of this essential nutrient.

What not to mix with vitamin B?

Possible interactions include:

  • Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba).
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others).
  • Proton pump inhibitors.
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements.

When should I stop taking B6?

If you take products that contain vitamin B6, be aware of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as tingling, burning, or numbness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking the product and seek medical advice.

Which vitamin is best for nerve repair?

Altogether, vitamin B1 (thiamine) plays a pivotal role in the process of nerve regeneration: in nerve cells, it facilitates the usage of carbohydrates for energy production and protects them against oxidative stress, resulting in normalized pain sensation and reduced hyperexcitability.

What should you not take with vitamin B6?

Taking vitamin B-6 with a drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant (barbiturate) might decrease the drug’s duration and intensity. Anticonvulsants. Taking vitamin B-6 with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx, Sesquient) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) might decrease the drug’s duration and intensity. Levodopa.

Is it good to take B6 everyday?

Taking vitamin B6 as a supplement is generally considered safe, as long as you’re taking the recommended dosage. Adults shouldn’t take more than 100 milligrams of a vitamin B6 supplement per day. Taking too much can cause: Gastrointestinal symptoms.

What are the negative effects of vitamin B6?

In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, and other side effects. Vitamin B6 is possibly unsafe when taken in doses of 500 mg or more daily. High doses of vitamin B6, especially 1000 mg or more daily, might cause brain and nerve problems.

What interferes with B6 absorption?

Possible Interactions with: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Cycloserine (Seromycin), used to treat tuberculosis.
  • Hydralazine (Apresoline), used to treat high blood pressure.
  • Isoniazid, used to treat tuberculosis.
  • Penicillamine, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Theophylline (TheoDur), used to treat asthma.

What medication depletes B6?

Drugs that Deplete: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Beclomethasone.
  • Budesonide.
  • Dexamethasone.
  • Fluticasone.
  • Hydrocortisone.
  • Methylprednisolone.
  • Mometasone Furoate.
  • Prednisone.

What is the best vitamin for nerves and muscles?

The vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are essential for nerve health. These vitamins can help with the healing of nerve damage and relieve nerve damage symptoms like pamamanhid (numbness) and tusok-tusok (tingling)—this is why they are called ‘neurotropic’ vitamins.

Why avoid vitamin B6?

You may be unwittingly overdosing on Vitamin B6 and risking toxicity and the possibility of irreversible nerve damage. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has acknowledged reports of peripheral neuropathy in people taking doses previously considered safe. Check your supplements and fortified foods for content. ———————

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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