From the Guidelines
To decrease high B6 values, it is essential to reduce or stop taking supplements containing vitamin B6 and lower consumption of B6-fortified foods, as high doses may result in neurotoxicity 1. When managing high B6 levels, consider the following:
- Stop taking any supplements containing B6, as the body can effectively regulate absorption from natural food sources.
- Reduce consumption of B6-fortified foods, such as fortified cereals, to minimize excessive intake.
- If taking a multivitamin, switch to one without B6 or with lower amounts to avoid exacerbating the condition.
- Avoid foods particularly high in B6, including beef liver, tuna, salmon, chickpeas, and poultry, to decrease overall B6 intake.
- Drink plenty of water to help the body eliminate excess B6 more efficiently, which can aid in normalizing B6 levels. According to the available evidence, high doses of vitamin B6 may be necessary for certain medical conditions, but maintenance doses should be lowered to 10 to 100 mg per day to avoid neurotoxicity 1. It is crucial to consult a doctor if high B6 levels are due to a medication side effect, as they can recommend alternatives or provide guidance on managing the condition.
From the Research
Decreasing High B6 Values
To decrease high B6 values, it is essential to understand the factors that influence vitamin B6 status.
- The study 2 suggests that riboflavin status is a significant determinant of vitamin B6 status, and a deficiency in riboflavin may lead to decreased vitamin B6 levels.
- However, there is no direct evidence on how to decrease high B6 values.
- The studies 3, 4, 5, and 6 focus on the importance of vitamin B6 in various health aspects, such as its involvement in biochemical pathways, cardioprotective mechanisms, and immune responses, but do not provide information on reducing high B6 levels.
Factors Influencing Vitamin B6 Status
Several factors can influence vitamin B6 status, including:
- Dietary intake of vitamin B6 and riboflavin 2
- Age, with older adults being more prone to suboptimal vitamin B6 status 2
- BMI (kg/m2) 2
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) genotype 2
Limitations
There are no research papers that directly address how to decrease high B6 values. The available studies focus on the importance of vitamin B6 in health and disease, but do not provide guidance on reducing high B6 levels.