Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome

The New England Journal of Medicine, 309(8), 445-448

DOI 10.1056/NEJM198308253090801 PMID 6308447

Abstract

We describe seven adults who had ataxia and severe sensory-nervous-system dysfunction after daily high-level pyridoxine (vitamin B6) consumption. Four were severely disabled; all improved after withdrawal. Weakness was not a feature of this condition, and the central nervous system was clinically spared. Although consumption of large doses of pyridoxine has gained wide public acceptance, this report indicates that it can cause sensory neuropathy or neuronopathy syndromes and that safe guidelines should be established for the use of this widely abused vitamin.

Topics

pyridoxine vitamin B6 sensory neuropathy megavitamin toxicity, high dose pyridoxine abuse ataxia peripheral neuropathy, Schaumburg pyridoxine neuropathy megavitamin syndrome, vitamin B6 overdose sensory nervous system dysfunction, pyridoxine toxicity safe dosage guidelines neuropathy, megavitamin syndrome pyridoxine neuronopathy adults, vitamin B6 excessive intake ataxia sensory loss reversible, pyridoxine withdrawal neurological recovery sensory neuropathy, vitamin supplementation adverse effects peripheral neuropathy, high dose B6 consumption neurotoxicity case series
PMID 6308447 6308447 DOI 10.1056/NEJM198308253090801 10.1056/NEJM198308253090801

Cite this article

Schaumburg, H. H., Kaplan, J. G., Windebank, A. J., Vick, N. A., Rasmus, S. C., Pleasure, D., & Brown, M. J. (1983). Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. *The New England journal of medicine*, *309*(8), 445-448. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198308253090801

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