Polyneuropathy caused by vitamin B6 and what to watch out for

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa - Neurologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Polyneuritis is a common disease that affects many nerves. One of the causes of polyneuropathy is an excess or deficiency of vitamin B6. Adequate vitamin B6 supplementation is an effective disease prevention measure.

1. What role does vitamin B6 play?

Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) belongs to the vitamin B group, which is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B6 entering the body is quickly absorbed, mainly stored in the liver, a part in the brain and muscles, eliminated mainly by the kidneys. The daily requirement for vitamin B6 of the average person is 2mg/day for men and 1.6mg/day for women. Children need vitamin B6 from 0.3mg - 1mg/day depending on age group.
When entering the body, vitamin B6 converts to pyridoxal phosphate. This is a coenzyme that has the following roles:
Synthesis of neurotransmitters and amino acid metabolism reactions; Lipid and glucid metabolism; Synthesis of hemoglobin; Synthesize vitamin B3 from tryptophan; Convert glycogen into glucose, maintain stable blood sugar and protect the heart; Reducing blood cholesterol in patients with atherosclerosis; Reducing the formation of oxalates in the blood, preventing kidney stones; Anti-stress, strengthen the immune system, enhance the activity of vitamin C,...; Nervous system and brain development for fetuses and children after birth; Reduce the risk of lung cancer. Vitamin B6 is abundant in animal meat (beef, pork, fish, poultry,...), plants (whole grains, soybeans, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, watermelon, peanuts, etc.) , carrot,...). Some types of intestinal bacteria also synthesize vitamin B6, contributing to meet the body's need for vitamin B6. Therefore, usually the amount of vitamin B6 in the daily food can meet the needs of the average person.

2. Polyneuropathy caused by vitamin B6

Pyridoxine is effective in the prevention of peripheral polyneuropathy. However, supplementing with a deficiency or excess of vitamin B6 compared to the body's needs can cause peripheral polyneuropathy. Specifically:

2.1 Polyneuropathy due to vitamin B6 deficiency

In fact, vitamin B6 deficiency is rare. B6 deficiency occurs only in people with malnutrition, alcohol abuse or in infants born to mothers with vitamin B6 deficiency. In addition, vitamin B6 deficiency is also seen in patients taking drugs that are antagonistic to vitamin B6 such as hydralazine, isoniazid and D-penicillamine.
Vitamin B6 deficiency causes sensory and motor polyneuropathy with numbness, pain, atrophy and muscle weakness, loss of tendon reflexes in the extremities, loss of all sensations,... Vitamin B6 deficiency It is also the cause of peripheral neuritis with numbness in the fingers and feet.
About treatment: The recommended dose for vitamin B6 is 100-450mg/day to prevent polyneuropathy in patients taking drugs such as isoniazid.

2.2 Polyneuropathy caused by excess vitamin B6

Excessive intake of vitamin B6 from drugs can cause sensory polyneuropathy or neurobody disease. Symptoms: Decreased sensation in the hands, then the legs, the patient walks with legs, the tendon reflexes are reduced or lost, pain, skin deformity lesions, increased sensitivity to light, nausea and burp. The severity of symptoms will depend on the dose of vitamin B6 taken, and symptoms may disappear if the patient stops taking the drug.
When having polyneuritis caused by vitamin B6, the patient needs to have regular check-ups to monitor the progress of the symptoms of the disease, strictly follow the doctor's instructions, do not arbitrarily take the drug or quit on its own. drugs during treatment, and at the same time actively exercise to control the disease effectively.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
General health checkup package diamond Vip General Health Checkup Package Special General Health Checkup Package Comprehensive General Health Checkup Package Standard General Health Checkup Package Patient's examination results will be returned to your home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.
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