Vitamin B6 Toxicity: Why Less Can Sometimes Be More

Did you know that too much Vitamin B6 can be harmful to your health? While this essential nutrient supports many bodily functions, it's important to understand that balance is key when it comes to supplementation.

Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) plays a crucial role in our bodies – supporting energy metabolism, brain function, and immune health. We find it naturally in foods like chicken, fish, potatoes, and bananas. It's also commonly added to energy drinks, fortified foods, and many supplements.

But here's what many people don't realise: consuming too much Vitamin B6, particularly in its inactive and most commonly used form, pyridoxine, through supplements can lead to health problems, including neurological symptoms.

While Vitamin B6 is essential for wellbeing, excessive intake – particularly from supplements – can lead to a condition known as B6 toxicity or pyridoxine toxicity. The symptoms of too much Vitamin B6 can manifest as:

• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)

• Burning sensations in the limbs

• Coordination difficulties

• Heightened sensitivity to touch

• B6 neuropathy symptoms that mimic other conditions

What's particularly challenging is that these B vitamin side effects often resemble symptoms of other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

The risk of B6 overdose often comes from taking multiple supplements, each containing this vitamin. Common sources include:

• Your daily multivitamin

• B-complex supplements

• Sleep formulas

• Energy or stress support blends

• Fortified foods and beverages

Without realising it, you might be consuming several times the safe daily dose of Vitamin B6. And for people dealing with chronic conditions like chronic fatigue, Lyme Disease, viral infections or other chronic complex health conditions, who may already take multiple products, this can happen without even realising it.

At MakeWell, we understand the delicate balance required for optimal health and B6 supplement safety. That's why our MTHFR -6 Support formula has been carefully developed as a B6-free supplement, while still providing comprehensive methylation support through seven essential B vitamins in their most bioavailable forms:

• Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) – The active form of folate, circumventing the metabolisation step impaired by MTHFR

• Methylcobalamin (B12) – Essential for homocysteine metabolism

• Riboflavin-5-Phosphate (B2) – Supports MTHFR enzyme function

• Thiamine (B1), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Biotin (B7) – Supporting energy production and cellular health

If you're taking multiple supplements, consider these simple steps to avoid too much Vitamin B6:

1. Check your labels – Look at all your supplements to calculate your total B6 intake

2. Be aware of hidden sources – Energy drinks and fortified foods can contribute significant amounts

3. Consider a B6-free option – Products like MTHFR -6 Support provide B vitamin benefits without adding to potential B6 overload

4. Listen to your body – If you experience unusual tingling or numbness that could indicate B6 toxicity symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider

Remember, when it comes to supplements, more isn't always better. The right balance, based on your individual needs, is what truly supports optimal health.