posted
For all those supplementing with B-6, especially in high doses, and perhaps also suffering from neuropathy, check this out. Also check out the link to see responses. B-6 is frequently prescribed by LLMD's in high doses, but high doses can be toxic to the nervous system.
MedHelp Member's Question Vitamin B6 Overdose by shosh1, Oct 26, 2006 12:00AM
Over a year ago I was diagnosed as suffering from acute ataxixc sensory neuropthy. The majority of neurologists examining me could only find one possible cause -an overdose of Vitamin B6. I had been taking 630mg/day for over 2 months.
Since then, I have recovered very slowly, being set back by one relapse. I can now walk a little with leg braces and a walker.
I would like to be in contact with any people (doctors or patients) who have have any experience of Vitamin B6 overdose. I would like to find out what type of recovery I can expect to make. I am the only known case of this in my country so the doctors are unable to make any prognosis, or predictions.
The ingestion of megadoses (> 500 mg/day) of pyridoxine (eg, taken to treat carpal tunnel syndrome or premenstrual syndrome although efficacy is unproved) may cause peripheral neuropathy with deficits in a stocking-glove distribution, including progressive sensory ataxia and severe impairment of position and vibration senses. Senses of touch, temperature, and pain are less affected. Motor and central nervous systems are usually intact.
Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is to stop taking vitamin B6. Recovery is slow and, for some patients, incomplete.
Note that as everyone's body is different, so what is toxic to one might not be toxic to another.
Posts: 277 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
Please don't scare people unnecessarily. Where are you getting your info that LLMD's are supplementing in high doses? Here is what the treatment guidelines say, and these are obviously not megadoses:
VITAMIN B (required). Clinical studies demonstrated the need for supplemental vitamin B in infections with Borrelia, to help clear neurological symptoms. Take one 50 mg B-complex capsule daily. If neuropathy is severe, an additional 50 mg of B-6 can be added. Generics are OK.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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sutherngrl
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posted
To err on the side of caution.......It is good to do research on any supplements you might be considering taking before you decide to take such a large dose. Some supps are not toxic at large doses, while others actually build up in your body and can be harmful.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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canefan17
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posted
It's very hard to overdose B Vitamins.
Nothing to see here
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
Toxic levels can be as low as 150 mg daily or lower depending on weight and size of individual. Some people are obviously more susceptible.
This was intended as a FYI for those who MIGHT BE mega-dosing -- even unsuspectedly.
I used to work at a health store, and believe me, not only are supplements available with thousands to tens of thousands of times the RDA requirement for B's, but they are super sellers.
And, apparently, based on the testimonials at the link cited above, there are also doctors (neurologists even) prescribing very high doses.
The LLMD protocol is for a multi-vitamin (most of them have 50 mg of B-6) and then a B-complex (another 50 mg of B-6). Add to that another 50 mg in cases of neuropathy. In addition, patients might be using enriched products, eating energy bars and drinking fortified beverages that put them way up there in the toxic level. They might be unaware of how much they are really ingesting, or if they know, ignorant of the potential toxicity.
Information never scares me. It's the lack of it that scares me. The only person who might be scared by this is one who is mega-dosing.
If one is taking antibiotics for a long time along with potent B's from various sources, and they suddenly develop new symptoms that are neurologically based, might it not be prudent to look at this as a possible source?
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- It's true that some B-vitamins (and other ones, too) can be toxic, in excess. But that does not mean someone may not require a dose higher than the RDA (recommended daily amount) as the RDA falls very short in many regards.
It's also true that many tend to blame lyme for everything when there are other causes. And, yes, sometimes people go overboard. Often people take supplements without doing proper research, even just to understand more about it.
Still, a vital piece of information is that borrelia infection depletes some vitamins and many minerals,. Therefore, it's important to distinguish between therapeutic doses for those who are depleted from maintenance doses for a "normal" person.
And, as suggested, it's important to read from many sources. But keep in mind the unique needs that borrelia brings while communicating with LLMD or LL ND for dosage guidance.
B-vitamins need to be in a particular balance with each other, too. That's really important. Yet, with lyme, some vitamins seem to be more depleted than others - so our LL doctors and LL authors are best to help us with this issue. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
This is just what I do and not meant as advice.
I take supplements in moderation,(except vitamin D which I do take prescribed dose); however from time to time I will skip my supps for several days or up to a week or so to give my body a break or a time to detox them from my body.
I think it is safer to have a little lower level than one that is too high. Who knows maybe pulsing supplements so many days a week might work well for some people.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
The thing that bothered me about this post was the suggestion that lyme doctors were doing this, when the real danger is patients, on their own, megadosing.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
No offense intended, lou, and I do understand your concern that my statement was an unfair portrayal of LLMD's in general. However, the fact remains that the protocol is a multivitamin (most have at least 50 mg) plus a B-complex (also 50 mg). That's for starters. Then, it's up to each doctor to decide what other supplements he/she wants to prescribe. Frequently with Flagyl and/or neuropathic symptoms, it's another 50 mg. Now we are up to 150 mg. This lower end of a mega-dose has been toxic in some people. And I don't hear anyone talking about it.
Again, my posting this was primarily for those people who have been on abx for some time and suddenly have developed neurological symptoms (either new or returning symptoms after an extended period) and are stumped. Overdose of B-6 is something to consider.
Keebler, I believe I know more than my LLMD about nutrition and vitamin supplementation, so it would be pointless to ask for guidance. And of course, the RDA is the minimum amount needed to prevent deficiency/disease. One can usually go a little higher, and maybe even a lot higher for short periods. Mega-dosing over the long term is probably not a good idea, though. You've talked before about the abundance of colorful veggies and fruits that God has placed here for our consumption, loaded with everything we need, and I fully agree. It is an effort sometimes to find the stuff -- fresh -- if one doesn't have access to a garden, but the effort is worth it when you do. I love to eat well, and if I could get it year round, I would never take another vitamin for as long as I live.
sutherngrl, you are smart to pulse supplements. I've read about people who are sensitive to B-vitamins, and some take children's vitamins as the lower dosages are much easier to tolerate. I've been thinking of going that route, actually.
Posts: 277 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Apr 2010
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sutherngrl
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Member # 16270
posted
Marrit, funny you mention children's vitamins. I got so sick of swallowing pills that I actually considered children's chewable vitamins. Then I found an adult chewable. I break it in half and take half once a day. Its also a money saver that way too. I am very small so I figure half is just about right for me.
I do add in B-50 and some others; but like I said, I skip them periodically to give my body a break. Not only does it keep them from building up, but it gives my liver a break from having to process so much stuff every single day.
My LLMD did not recommend me taking extra B's.......I thought I would make that clear. Like many here, I researched and came up with vitamins and supps that I felt were right for me. I did however pick up on doing things in "moderation" from my LLMD.
I believe that it really pays off not to get too aggressive with meds or supps. Others will disagree, especially with the meds, since "aggressive" is a big theme around here; but slow and moderate or even low is what has worked best for me.
I don't buy into the over taxing of the body as being a very good method of getting well. I think for some it can hinder recovery by putting your body under too much stress. Its already stressed enough to begin with.......Just my humble opinion.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
I am really glad you posted this b/c I just started taking additional B6 about 2 weeks ago. I never thought about checking dosage- DUH! Thank you for the reminder.
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Thanks to everyone who posted and offered comments. sutherngrl, I just went off Ceftin after 4 weeks (wanted to do 6 weeks but had to abort mission) due to irritable and painful bladder. As soon as I went off, it began to settle down. I agree that for me at least, slow and easy is necessary to avoid bigger issues that force me to quit altogether. Dawn in VA- you're welcome. If only one person was helped, it was worth it.
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