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Question

Neurologist did nerve conduction test both legs + EMG both are normal, my B6 is 342.2 normal 2.0-125.0) being in the toxic phase. I was diagnosed with polyneuropathy. I only take 2.0mg in a multi he told me to stop taking my multi. I just feel that small amount of B6 would not make it toxic something else has to be going on. He never told me to come back for a check. At times I feel a bit unsteady don’t know how to get to the bottom of this. I DO NOT have pain or numbness just a tight feeling in all toes rubber band like at base of toe, have had this about 6-7 months thinking it would go away. - Rose

Answer

Dear Rose,

First I would recommend checking with a different doctor. I have been doing some research on B6 toxicity and while there have been levels higher than yours (one person mentioned a level of 948) , yours is definitely too high and there are all kinds of symptoms that can evolve from it.

The possible symptoms are: headaches, depression, fatigue, irritability, nerve damage, numbness, and problems with walking (staggering, pain in legs).

However, causes seem harder to pin down. Over-supplementation seems to be the biggest problem, but that doesn’t sound like it applies in your case. Having a lot of fortified food in your diet may contribute, so you may want to check into that.

As to a couple of suggested treatments I ran across were increasing magnesium intake and taking St. John’s Wort (these were separate recommendations). But these were recommendations made by lay people like me and I cannot say whether they would really be helpful to you or not.

One recommendation I ran across was to keep a journal that includes what you are eating, your supplements and your symptoms. This helps when going to a doctor.

Just a reminder, that I am not a medical person. I just have an interest in neuropathy and helping people. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. - Melissa