B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) levels very high in bloodwork

[ballagher]

I have been tested twice recently for B6 level.  My first test two months ago indicated a 156 level with normal range being 20-96.  My second test indicated at 283 level.  My physician has no idea what this means and if there is a problem.  I am concerned that there is a toxic level of B6 and I should be doing something about it.  I'm not talking anything except multi-vitamin.  I've been concerned about my health for some time as I'm quite fatigued, anxious at work, balance issues (the term lightheaded would be the closest) eyes are sensitive to light, have trouble focusing on people when they talk, and have a few other issues like trouble concentrating, sense of smell has been gone for years and my sense of taste has been affected for quite some time as well.  My skin is quite raw on the knuckles and I think I have psoriasis as well as my nails are pitted and raised.  Not sure what is related but I definitely feel that there is something physicially wrong with me and this high B6 level has been the first thing to come up as being something worth pursuing.  Any help would be appreciated.  

[jj6581]

What helps me is increasing my b12 levels. Because i have a b12 malabsorption i got b12 injections and this improved my problems for a few days so instead of injecting b12 every 2 months, i now started a schedule of twice weekly on which is rapidly improved. As it becomes time for the new shot i feel less which again improves afer i have my b12. Although my docter does not see the link and does not support this, i read that there is some sort of competition between b12 and b6 which can explain my experience. Interestingly, people who are supplemented with b12 have decreased levels of b6 for which they need to be treated so why not try it the other way around, use b12 to decrease b6, it is definately helping me.

Good luck all of you !

[rag2mop]

Hi, yes, I too have been diagnosed with Vitamin B6 toxicity and have never taken B6 supplements except 3mg in a multivitamin that I stopped about 7 years ago. I started having neuropathy in my arms in the mid 1980's, then I got Raynauds, now I have it from my knees down into my feet. I also have a problem with a fast pulse and an irregular pulse as well as exceptionally dry eyes and skin. For a couple of years now I've been gluten/dairy/sugar free and have never eaten processed foods like cereal, etc. and only eat out about once a month and order something very simple. For years I blamed the beta blockers the doctors put me on, as a new problem would start up soon after starting the beta blocker, but can't find any relationship between the two online. I had such severe side effects from the drugs that the doctors would switch me to another type blood pressure pill for a while, but because of the fast and irregular pulse they would put me back on the beta blocker. After being tested to death (all negative) by a cardiologist, he took me off everything and I feel much better, but the peripheral neuropathy persists. I was referred to a neurologist who did a lot of tests and was the one that found the toxic B6 levels, but he can't find any reason that the levels should be that high. Toxic levels of B6 can cause all the symptoms I have, but no one can come up with a way to bring it down or determine why I have it, so I'm in limbo right now as well.

[Cliff2007]

  I too have the same symptoms, burning feet and now hands.  I had high B6 back in July 2010, it was 98.  This past August, down to 20.  However, the tingling has gotten worse in the last two weeks or so.  I suspect the B6 level may have raisin.  In my past, I too took multi-vits and also drank energy drinks daily.  Stopped both.

  Based on the posts here, I searched how to lower B6 and came across this website.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/522968-how-to-lower-b6/

I see at least one post said exercise helped decrease the symptoms.  Anyone else experiencing the same?

[24fernly]

I have a friend desperate for answers on how to lower B6...  her count is 960...  her symptoms are extreme she is totally bed ridden at this stage and the Dr's do not seem to be too concerned about the B6 count they obviously know very little about it ... they just keep going on about her imagining her symptoms..BUT i know she isnt the poor thing....

Please what has helped you?

the balance issue has made it impossible for her to function to get up and walk anywhere.. and the adrenal rushes during her sleep of course frighten her. she has all symptoms mentioned here

[casio12]

Early last year, I began having neurological symptoms. They included tingling in my arms and legs, weakness and feeling tired, muscle cramps, small muscle twitches, and tremors that seem to be related to muscle weakness. All these symptoms came on gradually over several months. I eventually also started having trouble sensing acute pain, heat and cold but I can still feel normal touch. At times, I also feel as if a tourniquet is around my left arm and leg.

My brain MRIs appear to be the most significant evidence of disease other than my symptoms. MRIs show around 30 lesions/plaques in the white matter of my brain. Two small enhancements were seen in the first MRI but a second MRI, interpreted by a different radiologist, called it a "phased artifact".
I have seen 3 neurologists specializing in multiple sclerosis and several radiologists have reviewed these MRIs.

One doctor and three radiologists think I have multiple sclerosis. Another doctor suggested I had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and a third doctor calls it nonspecific encephalopathy. My spinal tap and other tests were negative for MS. Lyme disease tests are negative as well. I have other tests done but most show nothing.

Another test I did recently shows I have high vitamin b6 levels: 86.3 ng/mL (range = 2.1– 21.7). Could there be a correlation between the MRI results, symptoms and out of sync B6 levels? Do folks on this thread general think they are experiencing metabolic issue with b6? I was only taking 12 mg a day (have stopped now.) If so, are there any known ways to address this? I can't even seem to find a toxic b6 blood level.

Because of this uncertainty in my diagnosis, I have not been able to receive any treatment.
I would appreciate any ideas you might have on a possible diagnosis or if I should pursue the b6 issue.

[harrietschipper]

I also have celiac and was taking a generic vitamin pill.  Because of numbness in the center of my back  I had an MRI and the doctor took a blood test for Vit B6 which was 156.  I am now off the vitamin and anything else that has the ingredients Vit B6 in it.  Many of the drinks for rehydration did ...found it out when I went to get some because I was having diarrhea.  Anyway, Neurologist doesn't know what is causing it.  Hope you are feeling well now.  I have been off Vit B6 for three months, but still have the same numbness.