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itamin B6: What is it?
Vitamin B6 occurs naturally in poultry, fish, pork, cereals, eggs, vegetables and fruit. It is also widely available as a dietary supplement.
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What are the benefits?
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, is essential for the metabolism of protein by the body, and the proper functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It is also involved in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells. More than one million people take vitamin B6 it to fight stress and increase energy. B6 has also used in conjunction with magnesium to treat the behavioural problems of autism.
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What are the risks?
However, scientists have found that long term use of high doses may affect the sensory nervous system leading to loss of sensation in the hands and feet and permanent nerve damage (‘sensory neuropathy’).
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What are the recommendations?
Men should ingest 2mg daily and women 1.6mg. People on a high protein diet with no leafy green vegetables or cereals, and those who drink heavily need more B6. The current recommended MAXIMUM daily allowance for adults, pregnant and breast feeding women and the elderly is 4mg/day.
Scientific studies have shown that B6 can be dangerous in very high doses. One study suggested that long term use of doses of 500 times the recommended daily level may cause damage to the nervous system. Women taking 2000-7000mg a day (2-7g/day) to help combat PMT developed a sensory neuropathy. A second study found adverse effects in humans from ingesting a dose as low as 50mg a day, although there are question marks over the methods used in this investigation. The government planned in 1997 to limit the sale of over-the-counter B6 to 10mg doses, with a doctor's prescription needed for larger amounts.
A group of 218 scientists and doctors sent a letter to all MPs claiming that B6 was safe at daily doses of up to 200mg, and that no significant health problems have emerged despite several decades of widespread use. More than 100,000 letters were also sent to MPs by consumers complaining about the government decision, and a lobby group called Consumers for Health Choice has spearheaded a campaign of opposition.
The government launched a prolonged consultation period but high strength formulations (more than 50mg B6) are still available for direct purchase in the UK.
Vitamin B6 occurs naturally in poultry, fish, pork, cereals, eggs, vegetables and fruit. It is also widely available as a dietary supplement.
Top
What are the benefits?
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, is essential for the metabolism of protein by the body, and the proper functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It is also involved in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells. More than one million people take vitamin B6 it to fight stress and increase energy. B6 has also used in conjunction with magnesium to treat the behavioural problems of autism.
Top
What are the risks?
However, scientists have found that long term use of high doses may affect the sensory nervous system leading to loss of sensation in the hands and feet and permanent nerve damage (‘sensory neuropathy’).
Top
What are the recommendations?
Men should ingest 2mg daily and women 1.6mg. People on a high protein diet with no leafy green vegetables or cereals, and those who drink heavily need more B6. The current recommended MAXIMUM daily allowance for adults, pregnant and breast feeding women and the elderly is 4mg/day.
Scientific studies have shown that B6 can be dangerous in very high doses. One study suggested that long term use of doses of 500 times the recommended daily level may cause damage to the nervous system. Women taking 2000-7000mg a day (2-7g/day) to help combat PMT developed a sensory neuropathy. A second study found adverse effects in humans from ingesting a dose as low as 50mg a day, although there are question marks over the methods used in this investigation. The government planned in 1997 to limit the sale of over-the-counter B6 to 10mg doses, with a doctor's prescription needed for larger amounts.
A group of 218 scientists and doctors sent a letter to all MPs claiming that B6 was safe at daily doses of up to 200mg, and that no significant health problems have emerged despite several decades of widespread use. More than 100,000 letters were also sent to MPs by consumers complaining about the government decision, and a lobby group called Consumers for Health Choice has spearheaded a campaign of opposition.
The government launched a prolonged consultation period but high strength formulations (more than 50mg B6) are still available for direct purchase in the UK.
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