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Neurology (Expert Forum)
B6 Toxixity
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B6 Toxixity
by deanna22, Jul 03, 2005 12:00AM
I have had numbness, tingling and burning in my left arm for around 2 years now. It started getting worse about a year ago and now happens in my arms, legs, face, back, trunk, etc.
I also have a strange feeling (it's hard to describe) like
my body is allergic to itself or something. Weakness, fatigue, lightheadiness, off balance, and nausea are also some of the symptoms.
I have been sent to different doctors to no avail until this
past week. I went to a neurologist and he ordered blood tests.
His office called me yesterday and said for me to stop taking my prenatal vitamins (my OB/GYN put me on them about 2 1/2 years ago, said they were the best vitamins anyone can take), because my B6 levels were in the 30's and should only be in the 20's. They said for me to have my blood drawn in a week to have levels rechecked. My question is, could this really be the cause of all my problems. If so, can the damage be reversed?
I also have a strange feeling (it's hard to describe) like
my body is allergic to itself or something. Weakness, fatigue, lightheadiness, off balance, and nausea are also some of the symptoms.
I have been sent to different doctors to no avail until this
past week. I went to a neurologist and he ordered blood tests.
His office called me yesterday and said for me to stop taking my prenatal vitamins (my OB/GYN put me on them about 2 1/2 years ago, said they were the best vitamins anyone can take), because my B6 levels were in the 30's and should only be in the 20's. They said for me to have my blood drawn in a week to have levels rechecked. My question is, could this really be the cause of all my problems. If so, can the damage be reversed?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jul 07, 2005 12:00AM
Yes, B6 in excess can cause a sensory neuropathy
We must remember that not all doses of all vitamins are good, and vitamin toxicity can be as serious as vitamin deficiency.
Vitamins are given in larger quantities during pregnancy due to the iincreased metabolic demand, but I don't think you have been pregnant for 2 1/2 years!
Once the levels come back down to normal, your sy mptoms should improve if that is the cause. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse the workup for other causes should continue
good luck
We must remember that not all doses of all vitamins are good, and vitamin toxicity can be as serious as vitamin deficiency.
Vitamins are given in larger quantities during pregnancy due to the iincreased metabolic demand, but I don't think you have been pregnant for 2 1/2 years!
Once the levels come back down to normal, your sy mptoms should improve if that is the cause. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse the workup for other causes should continue
good luck
Should have been B6 Toxicity.
Needless to say, I won't be taking them anymore!!!
travelinkaren