Do any vitamins cause neuropathy?

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reports reviewed by regulatory bodies like the TGA, excessive intake of vitamin B6 from supplements is a known cause of peripheral neuropathy, with some cases reported from prolonged, low-dose use. This can cause significant nerve damage and sensory symptoms.

Quick Summary

Excessive supplemental intake of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause nerve damage leading to peripheral neuropathy. In contrast, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can also be a cause of this condition. Understanding both the risks of excess and deficiency is crucial for nerve health.

Key Points

Vitamin B6 Overdose: Excessive intake of supplemental vitamin B6 is a well-documented cause of peripheral neuropathy, leading to nerve damage and related symptoms.
Cumulative Effect: Neuropathy can occur even at relatively low cumulative doses of vitamin B6, especially with prolonged use or when combining multiple supplements containing the vitamin.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can also trigger neuropathy due to its role in maintaining nerve sheaths, contrasting with the excess that causes B6-related damage.
Check Supplement Labels: Be vigilant about checking all supplement labels, as many multivitamins and mineral formulas contain pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
Consult a Professional: Always discuss vitamin supplementation with a healthcare provider, especially if you experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and feet.

The Dual-Edged Sword of Vitamin B6

While essential for numerous bodily functions, excessive vitamin B6 intake from supplements can lead to pyridoxine toxicity and peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation, often in the hands and feet, described as a “stocking-glove” sensation. Muscle weakness and difficulty walking can also occur. Nerve damage has been reported even at doses below 50 mg/day with prolonged use, partly due to cumulative intake from multiple supplements. Magnesium supplements, for example, often contain pyridoxine. Stopping B6 supplements is the primary treatment, and while symptoms may improve, permanent nerve damage is possible.

Neuropathy Caused by Deficiency: The Case of Vitamin B12

Unlike B6 toxicity, vitamin B12 neuropathy is caused by a deficiency. B12 is crucial for maintaining the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. A deficiency leads to myelin degeneration and nerve damage. Causes of B12 deficiency include strict vegan/vegetarian diets, malabsorption issues like pernicious anemia, and certain medications. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, memory problems, vision issues, and poor coordination. Early B12 supplementation can prevent further damage and potentially reverse some symptoms, but long-term deficits may persist.

Comparing Vitamin-Induced Neuropathies


Feature	Vitamin B6 (Excess)	Vitamin B12 (Deficiency)
Cause	Excessive, prolonged intake from supplements	Inadequate intake, poor absorption, or medical conditions
Mechanism	Potential nerve hyperexcitability, neurotoxicity	Demyelination of nerve fibers
Symptoms	Numbness, tingling, pain, loss of coordination	Numbness, tingling, vision problems, memory loss, walking difficulties
Onset	Often gradual, can occur at lower cumulative doses	Develops slowly over time, can worsen if untreated
Primary Source	Over-the-counter supplements (including multis and B-complex)	Lack of animal products in diet, medical conditions
Reversibility	Often reversible upon discontinuation, but permanent damage is possible	Treatment can halt and sometimes reverse damage, depending on severity and duration

How to Avoid Vitamin-Related Neuropathy

Read Labels Carefully: Check the vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) content in all your supplements.
Consult a Professional: Discuss supplement use with a healthcare provider.
Prioritize Diet: A balanced diet usually provides sufficient vitamins.
Know Your Risk: Be aware of personal factors for B12 deficiency.
Monitor Your Body: Stop supplements and see a doctor if neuropathy symptoms appear.

Conclusion: Protect Your Nerves with Knowledge

Both excessive vitamin B6 and deficient vitamin B12 can cause neuropathy. High-dose B6 from supplements carries a risk of toxicity, while B12 deficiency impairs nerve health. Vigilance regarding supplement intake, careful label reading, and professional medical advice are essential for preventing these conditions. For more information on peripheral neuropathy, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B9, and E can also lead to neuropathy but are less common causes compared to B6 toxicity and B12 deficiency.

What to Look Out For

Excessive Vitamin B6 Signs: Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands and feet; loss of coordination; muscle weakness.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Signs: Persistent numbness or pins and needles; vision problems; memory loss; balance issues.
Supplement Sources: B6 is often included in multivitamins, B-complex formulas, and magnesium supplements. Check labels carefully.
Prevention: A balanced diet, avoiding high-dose supplements without medical guidance, and regular check-ups are key.
Action: If symptoms appear, stop all relevant supplements immediately and consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, neuropathy from vitamin B6 toxicity is associated with high doses from dietary supplements, not from consuming the vitamin through food.

The initial symptoms of excessive vitamin B6 often include tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the hands and feet.

While toxicity was previously thought to occur only at very high doses, cases of neuropathy have been reported at lower doses, sometimes under 50 mg/day, especially with prolonged use or cumulative intake from multiple supplements.

The primary treatment is to immediately stop taking all supplements containing vitamin B6. Symptom management may be necessary, and recovery can be slow.

Yes, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms can include numbness, pins and needles, and problems with balance.

Often, nerve function improves after discontinuing vitamin B6 supplements. However, in some severe cases or with prolonged damage, the nerve issues can be permanent.

The key difference is the cause: B6 neuropathy results from an excess of the vitamin from supplements, whereas B12 neuropathy is caused by a deficiency.