While getting plenty of vitamins in your diet is a must, too much of a good thing can be problematic. As with many other nutrients, consuming too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. Knowing how much vitamin B6 your body requires daily to function properly and how to avoid overdose is important.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
The amount of vitamin B6 you need daily depends on your age and gender. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA), which is the amount needed to meet daily needs of most people in each age and gender group, for vitamin B6 is:
| Women ages 19 to 50 | 1.3 milligrams |
| Women ages 51 + | 1.5 milligrams |
| Pregnant women | 1.9 milligrams |
| Breastfeeding women | 2.0 milligrams |
| Men ages 19 to 50 | 1.3 milligrams |
| Men ages 51 + | 1.7 milligrams |
Upper Limit
Fortunately, you shouldn't experience vitamin B6 toxicity from eating B6-rich foods. However, the Linus Pauling Institute notes adverse, even dangerous, side effects have been reported from taking vitamin B6 supplements. For this reason, a tolerable upper intake level -- which is a maximum safe level you should consume daily -- has been established. The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6 for all adults is 100 milligrams per day.
Toxicity Symptoms
The following are common side effects of vitamin B6 toxicity:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nerve pain
- Pain in extremities
- Numbness in extremities
- Sensory changes
- Painful and disfiguring skin lesions
- Allergic skin reactions
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of control of body movements
- Difficulty with coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Seizures
What if I Overdose?
If you're taking vitamin B6 supplements and are experiencing symptoms of B6 overdose, it's time to seek help from a medical professional. If you've had more severe side effects like difficulty walking, loss of control of body movements, or a seizure, have someone else drive you to the hospital.
How to Get the Right Dose
Chances are, if you're eating a well-balanced diet including plenty of protein foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, you're getting all the vitamin B6 your body needs. Taking a multivitamin supplement containing vitamin B6 helps ensure you meet your body's requirements without the risk for overdose. However, avoid taking high doses of B6 supplements (more than 100 milligrams per day) unless your doctor recommends it and supervises you.
