The safety of vitamin B6

At Golden Naturals we regularly receive questions about vitamin B6 intake and safety. It has now been established that vitamin B6 in high doses sometimes poses health risks. How is that exactly, and how do you en

At Golden Naturals we regularly receive questions about vitamin B6 intake and safety. It has now been established that vitamin B6 in high doses sometimes poses health risks. Since October 2018, there is therefore a maximum of 21 mg vitamin B6 per day in dietary supplements. How is that exactly, and how do you ensure that you do not consume too much vitamin B6? We will explain it to you.

Accumulation in blood and tissues

We mainly get vitamin B6 through our diet, sometimes supplemented with supplements. It is a water-soluble vitamin that you normally urinate without having to take in too much of it. Still, some people suffer from side effects due to an excess of vitamin B6. This is not due to the vitamin, but to the individual capacity of the body to excrete the surplus. Some people cannot get rid of B6 through the kidneys, causing it to 'build up' in the blood or tissues. This can lead to an increased value in the blood. This sometimes even happens without taking extra vitamin B6.

What are the risks

An excess of vitamin B6 (especially pyridoxine) can cause sensory polyneuropathy: tingling in the hands and feet, numbness, decreased sense of touch, staggering walking. This occurs especially with long-term intake of at least 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin B6 per day. Neuropathic complaints, such as a burning and / or tingling sensation in the body, occasionally occur at a lower dose, especially when no vitamin B complex is taken in addition to vitamin B6. It is important to immediately stop taking high doses of B6 in case of symptoms of sensory (poly) neuropathy. The complaints then almost always disappear within a few months.

Bioactive form of B6 in Golden Naturals products

In addition to the effect of vitamin B6 on, among other things, promoting the energy metabolism and functioning of the memory, it is also a useful 'auxiliary substance' for many other ingredients. That is why you will find vitamin B6 in many products from Golden Naturals. Almost all products contain vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P). In contrast to the above pyridoxine form, this bioactive form no longer needs to be converted: the body can absorb it immediately. The risk of toxic stress and neuropathic complaints is therefore nil. Thanks to the rapid absorption, the effectiveness is optimal and a low dose is sufficient. This significantly reduces the risk of vitamin B6 accumulation. All our products with vitamin B6 meet the legal standard of 21 mg and are therefore safe to use.

Be keen on your intake of vitamin B6

On the label you will find the composition of the product and the amount of vitamin B6 it contains. There is also always a legally required warning for use of B6 by children. To determine the amount of vitamin B6 that you get through supplements, we recommend that you add up the amounts in the daily dose table on the labels. Are you struggling or do you have questions? Of course you can always contact our customer service, we are happy to help you!

sure that you do not consume too much vitamin B6? We will explain it to you.