B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) levels very high in bloodwork

[ballagher]

I have been tested twice recently for B6 level.  My first test two months ago indicated a 156 level with normal range being 20-96.  My second test indicated at 283 level.  My physician has no idea what this means and if there is a problem.  I am concerned that there is a toxic level of B6 and I should be doing something about it.  I'm not talking anything except multi-vitamin.  I've been concerned about my health for some time as I'm quite fatigued, anxious at work, balance issues (the term lightheaded would be the closest) eyes are sensitive to light, have trouble focusing on people when they talk, and have a few other issues like trouble concentrating, sense of smell has been gone for years and my sense of taste has been affected for quite some time as well.  My skin is quite raw on the knuckles and I think I have psoriasis as well as my nails are pitted and raised.  Not sure what is related but I definitely feel that there is something physicially wrong with me and this high B6 level has been the first thing to come up as being something worth pursuing.  Any help would be appreciated.  

[JiHM]

Maggie, I am desperate to find out why my B6 levels are high. I don't take B vitamins, no multi, it has been high for YEARS. I have terrible RLS, I have peripheral neuropathy, I have horrible insomnia. It's awful. My thyroid and adrenals are shot. Can you tell me what your husband was diagnosed with?

[k2sunny]

How are your symptoms now?

[2lulu2]

My husband has been dizzy/imbalanced for weeks. He has high B6 levels, never takes supplements but does eat 1 or 2 meals of cereal each day. I'm sure those are fortifies with B6. We also eat chicken, spinach, cantaloupe (lots of bread and veggies too) so he is getting it from diet, but it's hard to believe this diet would cause too much. His primary care doctor referred him to an ENT specialist because inside the ears show pressure/inflammation and the week of steroids didn't fix it. He does not have pain or numbness in extremities. He does have some insomnia, trouble focusing, and very "tipsy" feeling. He sees the ENT tomorrow. I wonder if they will refer him to a neurologist or endocrinologist?

[chiasma]

This website may be helpful re neuropathy and other problems associated with MTHFR gene mutation.

Neuropsychiatric & Neurological Conditions: MTHFR mutations have been linked to neuropsychiatric conditions due to the indirect effects of MTHFR activity on the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as the potentially toxic effect of hyperhomocysteinemia. Schizophrenia-like syndromes, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia have all been associated with one or more mutations of the MTHFR gene (Lewis, X.  Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11, 352–360).

Insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, endogenous depression, organic psychosis, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy and restless leg syndrome are all also mentioned in the literature as potentially being influenced by this enzyme deficiency. The MTHFR C677T homozygous genotype has also been associated with an increased risk for migraine with aura in most ethnic groups except for Caucasian populations (Schurks M., et al. Headache. 2010; 50(4):588-99).
In a recent metanalysis, there was a relationship between the C677T mutation and increased susceptibility for depression (Lewis, X.  Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11, 352–360).Neuropsychiatric & Neurological Conditions: MTHFR mutations have been linked to neuropsychiatric conditions due to the indirect effects of MTHFR activity on the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as the potentially toxic effect of hyperhomocysteinemia. Schizophrenia-like syndromes, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia have all been associated with one or more mutations of the MTHFR gene (Lewis, X.  Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11, 352–360).

Insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, endogenous depression, organic psychosis, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy and restless leg syndrome are all also mentioned in the literature as potentially being influenced by this enzyme deficiency. The MTHFR C677T homozygous genotype has also been associated with an increased risk for migraine with aura in most ethnic groups except for Caucasian populations (Schurks M., et al. Headache. 2010; 50(4):588-99).
In a recent metanalysis, there was a relationship between the C677T mutation and increased susceptibility for depression (Lewis, X.  Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11, 352–360).

http://holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-a-g/functional-medicine/1353-mthfr-mutation-a-missing-piece-in-the-chronic-disease-puzzle

[chiasma]

My vitamin B6 level is 250. I am taking no supplements that contain B vitamins. However I DO have hashimotos hypothyroidism. I also have a gene mutation (MTHFR) which affects the methylation of B6 B12 and folate in my system. I have been suffering with neuropathy in my feet, tired and tight leg muscles. There are days I can barely walk. I also need to use a cane for out-of-house mobility. Whereas once I went to the gym and participated in Zumba and pilates, I can no longer do anything. Even walking is exhausting. I believe there is a correlation between the hashimotos, MTHFR gene mutation and the problems outlined above. Anyone else with this mutation? Hashis?

[JPxo]

I have just been diagnosed with Hashi's, and I'm expecting to be checked for the MTHFR gene.  I suffer from badly burning feet and lower legs, intermittently during the day, but severe at night. I've been taking supplements, but not exceeding about 60mg of B6 daily, and even then, I'm very inconsistent with my supplements.  Something else is causing these high levels in our blood.  I too suspect an inability to process the B6. It's often hard to sleep.  Searching for solutions!

[ALas3]

I am new to this site and feeling like I have friends that understand.  I have had that spot of skin burning on and off for years.  Some years more often than others. (Haven't had it since I can remember now...)  I have also had just about every other symptom listed so far, at some time or another (this is as far as I've read yet).  The beginning of my hunt for an answer started last Oct when I was suddenly so fatigued I went home and slept for 24 hours.  I assumed I had a virus.  After a couple weeks I saw my primary and fortunately she ran a stool which found dientamoeba fragilis.  A rare 3rd world parasite.  My GI and Infectious Dr.s said "Hmm,  have you been out of the country?  I've seen this once before about 20 years ago..."  (I did not travel.)  SO for a couple months all my NEW symptoms of muscle twitching, skin crawling on my face & in my nose, electric jolt feelings, extreme fatigue, sensitivity to sun, feeling of adrenal rush in my chest and neck, rash on my belly & insomnia...were attributed to either the bug or the antibiotic I had to take.  Fortunately my neuro tested B6 which is elevated to only 33.1 and found my ds-DNA positive.  So, I see a rheumatologist next week and hope for an answer (sounds like Lupus is a possibility).  This site has been a real lift even though no one else so far has mentioned autoimmune disorder.  I will be back for any and all info people post!
Thank you all!!!