[Sensory disturbances caused by multivitamin preparations]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chronic sensory polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is essential but can be toxic in high doses, leading to neurotoxicity.
• Multivitamin supplements are generally considered safe, with potential risks often underestimated.

Observation:

• Two male patients, aged 60 and 65, presented with chronic sensory polyneuropathy.
• Symptoms included bilateral hand numbness, leg pain, and painful leg tingling.
• Both patients were consuming daily multivitamin supplements containing pyridoxine at 24 mg and 40 mg, respectively.

Findings:

• The patients were diagnosed with pyridoxine toxicity due to excessive intake from daily multivitamin supplements.
• This case report associates chronic sensory polyneuropathy with vitamin supplement use, a previously unrecognized link.
• Recovery was observed in both patients after the cessation of pyridoxine-containing supplement intake.

Implications:

• This study suggests that chronic sensory polyneuropathy may be an underrecognized adverse effect of daily vitamin B6 supplementation.
• Healthcare providers should consider pyridoxine toxicity in patients presenting with sensory polyneuropathy, even with seemingly moderate supplement intake.
• The findings challenge the perception of vitamin supplements as entirely harmless and warrant cautious use and monitoring.