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Published on: June 25, 2010
Non-nutritional uses of vitamin B6
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK. dab@biochem.ucl.ac.uk
The British Journal of Nutrition
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is generally safe, but high doses can cause nerve damage. While deficiency is rare, many people have inadequate levels, and supplement efficacy for various conditions lacks strong evidence.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Nutrition
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin.
- It is readily metabolized and excreted, leading to an assumption of low toxicity.
- However, high intake levels can result in peripheral nerve damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the toxicity and therapeutic uses of Vitamin B6.
- To assess the evidence for Vitamin B6 supplementation in various conditions.
- To evaluate the prevalence of inadequate Vitamin B6 status.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Vitamin B6 toxicity and efficacy studies.
- Analysis of population data regarding Vitamin B6 status.
- Examination of physiological and metabolic rationales for therapeutic use.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B6 has low toxicity, but peripheral neuropathy can occur at very high doses.
- Nutritional deficiency is rare, yet biochemical evidence of inadequate status is common.
- Empirical and rational-based uses of Vitamin B6 supplements often lack strong clinical trial evidence.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B6 supplementation should be approached with caution due to potential nerve damage.
- Despite low deficiency rates, suboptimal Vitamin B6 status is prevalent.
- Further rigorous trials are needed to establish the efficacy of Vitamin B6 for therapeutic purposes.
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