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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Peripheral sensory neuropathy with chronic doses above 200 mg/day — numbness, tingling in extremities
  • Photosensitivity at high doses
  • Nausea and heartburn at high doses
  • Reduced lactation reported at very high doses (>600 mg/day)
  • Standard RDA doses are very well tolerated

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Levodopa (without carbidopa) — B6 accelerates peripheral conversion of levodopa, reducing its effectiveness for Parkinson's; does not apply to levodopa/carbidopa combinations
  • Phenobarbital and phenytoin — B6 may reduce serum levels of these anticonvulsants
  • Isoniazid (TB drug) depletes B6 — supplementation recommended during treatment
  • Cycloserine depletes B6 and increases neuropathy risk without supplementation

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 100 mg/day (NIH UL); chronic doses above 200 mg/day risk peripheral neuropathy

Full Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisWyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PW, Shaughn O'Brien PM (1999). Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189 (2018). Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTAdventure-Heart DJ, Madden NA, Delfabbro P (2018). Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep.. Perceptual and motor skills. DOI PubMed
  4. Himmerich H, Erbguth F (2014). [Nutrition and dietary supplements in psychiatric diseases].. Der Nervenarzt. DOI PubMed
  5. Lippi G, Plebani M (2012). Hyperhomocysteinemia in health and disease: where we are now, and where do we go from here ?. Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. DOI PubMed
  6. Kałużna-Czaplińska J, Socha E, Rynkowski J (2011). B vitamin supplementation reduces excretion of urinary dicarboxylic acids in autistic children.. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisMalouf R, Grimley Evans J (2003). The effect of vitamin B6 on cognition.. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Brouwer DA, Welten HT, van Doormaal JJ, Reijngoud DJ, et al. (1998). [Recommended dietary allowance of folic acid is insufficient for optimal homocysteine levels].. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. PubMed
  2. RCTAybak M, Sermet A, Ayyildiz MO, Karakilçik AZ (1995). Effect of oral pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on arterial blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.. Arzneimittel-Forschung. PubMed
  3. Sermet A, Aybak M, Ulak G, Güzel C, et al. (1995). Effect of oral pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on in vitro platelet sensitivity to different agonists.. Arzneimittel-Forschung. PubMed
  4. Hayasaka S, Saito T, Nakajima H, Takahashi O, et al. (1985). Clinical trials of vitamin B6 and proline supplementation for gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina.. The British journal of ophthalmology. DOI PubMed