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Taking too much vitamin B6, especially from high-dose supplements, can damage nerves, sometimes permanently, causing sensory neuropathy with symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning pain, and difficulty walking. Neurologists should ask patients with neuropathy about vitamin use, particularly B6.
The daily recommended amount of B6 is between 1.3 and 2 milligrams, with an upper limit of 100 milligrams, though some experts recommend lower limits, such as 12 milligrams per day. Studies show that doses above 50 milligrams daily, or even lower doses taken for over a year, can be toxic. Over-the-counter supplements often contain much more than this.
Individual reactions vary; some tolerate 500 milligrams daily, while others develop neuropathy from just 6 milligrams. High-dose B6 is necessary for some medical conditions, but for the average person, a balanced diet provides enough B6, and megadoses are unnecessary and potentially harmful.