Nerve damage due to the use of nutritional supplements with vitamin B6
The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb has previously reported on nerve damage caused by the use of nutritional supplements containing vitamin B6. These reports are still being received by Lareb. To date, Lareb has received 238 reports of nerve pain in people using products containing vitamin B6. Due to this possible risk, caution is advised with vitamin B6 supplementation.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin B6 must be obtained from the diet because humans cannot synthesize it. Vitamin B6 is found in foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and grain products.
Excessive vitamin B6 intake
A healthy and varied diet will provide most people with enough vitamin B6. Yet many people take nutritional supplements with vitamin B6 in addition to their regular diet. Excessive intake of vitamin B6 over a long period of time can sometimes lead to damage to nerves in arms and/or legs. Symptoms are tingling, numbness or pain in hands and/or feet.
Daily dose of vitamin B6
Products containing vitamin B6 are available in various strengths at drugstores, pharmacies, supermarkets and online. The recommended dietary allowance for adults is 1.5 milligram of vitamin B6 per day. From October 1, 2018, the Commodities Act states that supplements may not contain more than 21 milligram of vitamin B6 per day. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended a safe level of 12 milligram vitamin B6 per day. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport intends to adjust the maximum vitamin B6 content that may be present in nutritional supplements accordingly.
Reports to Lareb
Of the 238 reports of nerve damage in people who used products containing vitamin B6, 79 cases involved a product with a daily dose of 12 milligram or less. A third of the 238 cases reported that they recovered after they stopped using these products.
Warning
Dietary supplements are generally considered safe by people, but they can have serious side effects. It is important to be aware of the possible dangers of excessive vitamin B6 intake through nutritional supplements.
Lareb has informed the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority of these reports.