From the Guidelines
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause muscle twitching as a symptom of toxicity, particularly at doses exceeding 100 mg per day taken for extended periods. Vitamin B6 toxicity can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling sensations in extremities, and in severe cases, difficulty walking or loss of coordination 1. These symptoms occur because excessive vitamin B6 can damage sensory nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B6 is only 1.3-1.7 mg for most adults, and therapeutic doses rarely need to exceed 25-50 mg daily for specific medical conditions.
Some key points to consider:
- The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6 is 100 mg/day, beyond which adverse effects such as sensory neuropathy can occur 1.
- Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, and its active form, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), serves as a coenzyme for over 160 enzymatic reactions 1.
- If you're experiencing muscle twitching and taking vitamin B6 supplements, consider discontinuing them and consult a healthcare provider, as these symptoms are often reversible once supplementation is stopped, though recovery may take several months in cases of significant toxicity.
It's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with high doses of vitamin B6 and to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you're experiencing any adverse effects.
From the Research
Vitamin B6 and Muscle Twitching
- High doses of vitamin B6 can cause peripheral nerve damage, which may lead to muscle twitching 2.
- A case study reported a patient who developed severe sensorimotor neuropathy after taking extremely high doses of vitamin B6 (9.6g pyridoxine/day), which resulted in muscle weakness and motor findings on electrophysiological testing 3.
- A systematic review found that high levels of vitamin B6, typically resulting from supplement intake, may lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy, which can cause muscle twitching and other symptoms 4.
- However, it's worth noting that vitamin B6 deficiency can also cause muscle spasms and twitching, as seen in a case report of a patient with isolated pyridoxine deficiency who presented with painful muscle spasms 5.
- The current evidence suggests that both high and low levels of vitamin B6 can be associated with neurological symptoms, including muscle twitching, although the exact mechanisms and relationships are not yet fully understood 2, 4, 5.