Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6

[Esperanto]

The new scientific opinion (EFSA) revised in Europe the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin B6 of 12.5 mg/day for adults (including pregnant and lactating women), down from the previous UL of 30 mg/day set in 2000. For infants and children the ULs are: 2.2-2.5 mg/day (4-11 months), 3.2-4.5 mg/day (1-6 years), 6.1-10.7 mg/day (7-17 years). In addition to shortages, excessive intakes are associated with peripheral neuropathy, a type of damage to nerves in the body’s extremities. Based on available intake data, EU populations are unlikely to exceed the ULs, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin B6, including also B-complex, multivitamins and additives to sleep medication, minerals, energy foods & drinks.

efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn...

[1jay]

Hello, Thank you for the above post. I am hoping you might help better inform me. I am diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (numb toes/burning feet at night). At time of diagnosis (2021) my red cell Vit B6 level was 132 nmol/L ie out of normal range 35-110. GP was totally uninterested in this and I don’t really have a handle on the significance of the result. I had not been supplementing. I had been following the Portfolio Diet (to reduce raised cholesterol) which does include soy, so wonder if the increased vitamin B6 resulted from this or other dietary source? I would be grateful for your view if at all possible. Thank you.

[Esperanto in reply to 1jay]

A high B6 value due to your diet, especially with your Portfolio diet, seems very unlikely. Maybe it’s good to check your other supplements, foods and drinks anyway because B6 is added to many products without you knowing it. In addition, due to the long half-life of B6 due to stacking, it can cause too high a value for months.

It also seems wise to test your B2 value. Although a B2/riboflavin deficiency is rare in ‘healthy’ people, this can have an impact on the recycling of B6 in the body. B2 is necessary for the conversion of pyridoxine (B6) to its active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). Without sufficient B2, the conversion of B6 to its active form may be impaired, leading to high levels of pyridoxine and potentially pyridoxine B6 toxicity > PN

[1jay in reply to Esperanto]

Thank you very much for your response, very informative and much appreciated. I shall follow up as you suggest. Thanks again.