Q. I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in September. I could barely walk.
My feet felt swollen, like I had a pair of water-balloons strapped to the soles of my feet. I couldn’t feel the ground to keep my balance!
According to the doctor, my blood tests from the lab revealed a very low B6 level. He immediately prescribed pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Within a couple of months my peripheral neuropathy has essentially disappeared.
When I looked online for more information, I found a story on your website about someone whose nerve damage was caused by excessive vitamin B6. What is a safe amount?
A. Vitamin B6 is crucial for nerve function. Both too much and too little can harm the nervous system.
Getting the Dose Right
The recommended daily intake from food is under 2 mg. Because of the danger of overdose, and because individual need and tolerance may vary, we suggest keeping supplemental vitamin B6 at or under 100 mg daily unless a doctor has recommended a higher dose and is monitoring.
Those who would like to read about excess vitamin B6 and its consequences will find the story here.
The National Institutes of Health offer an informative fact sheet on vitamin B6.
