Revisiting the evidence for neuropathy caused by pyridoxine deficiency and excess

Ghavanini et al., 2014 | J Clin Neuromuscul Dis | Systematic Review

Citation

Ghavanini Amer A, Kimpinski Kurt. Revisiting the evidence for neuropathy caused by pyridoxine deficiency and excess. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2014-Sep;16(1):25-31. doi:10.1097/CND.0000000000000049

Abstract

Pyridoxine deficiency and excess have been implicated as a cause for peripheral neuropathy. As a result, unrelated neuropathies are often treated with pyridoxine based on questionable evidence. However, neurological practitioners frequently discourage patients from taking pyridoxine in excess of 50 mg/d given concerns around the development of a toxic sensory neuronopathy. There is no systematic review to support either of the 2 practices. To address this gap in knowledge, we reviewed the available literature on neuropathy attributed to pyridoxine deficiency and excess. Based on the current limited data, it can be concluded that very low doses of daily pyridoxine are required to prevent peripheral neuropathy. There is inadequate evidence to support routine pyridoxine supplementation in patients with disorders of peripheral nervous system. Supplementation with pyridoxine at doses greater than 50 mg/d for extended duration may be harmful and should be discouraged.

Key Findings

Supplementation with pyridoxine at doses greater than 50 mg/d for extended duration may be harmful and should be discouraged.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population disorders of peripheral nervous
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  • PubMed
  • Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09