07/28/2025
🧠 B6 TOXICITY & NEUROPATHY? Let’s talk about the real story…
I was chatting with a client who was afraid to take a multivitamin with B6 because someone she knew developed neuropathy from B6 toxicity.
🚨 Valid concern… but here’s what I explained:
There are two forms of vitamin B6:
➡️ Pyridoxine – the synthetic form used in most over-the-counter supplements
*the form that was taken in high doses which caused neuropathy that was recommended by the doctor.
➡️ P5P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) – the active, pre-converted form your body actually uses
💥 Toxicity is linked to high doses of pyridoxine, not P5P.
Studies show that excessive pyridoxine can overwhelm the liver’s ability to convert it into P5P, leading to build-up and nerve damage (yes, even if your levels look “normal”).
But when taken in reasonable amounts, P5P is far safer and doesn’t carry the same risk for neurological issues. 🙌
So if you need B6 (especially for hormone balance, detox, or mood), the form matters.
✨PLEASE, do your research or reach out if you need help with supplements. Over the counter and even some prescription vitamins can be more harm than good.
—
📚 References:
1. Parry GJ, Bredesen DE. Pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy. Neurology. 1985;35(10):1466–8.
2. Dalton K, Dalton MJ. Characteristics of pyridoxine overdose neuropathy syndrome. Acta Neurol Scand. 1987.
3. Leklem JE. Vitamin B6: A Status Report. J Nutr. 1990.
4. P5P form does not accumulate in the same way and is considered safer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12730415/
