IPB University Medical Faculty Lecturer Reveals Risks of Excessive Vitamin B6 Consumption

A lawsuit against a well-known Australian supplement company has come under public scrutiny. This class action lawsuit was filed by a number of citizens due to alleged health problems arising from excessive vitamin B6 content in one of the company’s products.

Dr Widya Khairunnisa Sarkowi, MSc, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of IPB University, has responded to this matter. She stated that vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for the body.

“This vitamin plays a role in various important metabolic processes, such as the formation of chemicals in the brain, amino acid and glucose metabolism, hemoglobin production in red blood cells, and supporting the immune system,” she explained.

The most well-known type of vitamin B6 is pyridoxine, which is commonly found in supplements. Dr. Widya explained that the daily requirement of vitamin B6 for adults is generally around 1,3-1,7 mg per day, depending on age and gender.

“If we have a good and varied diet, our vitamin B6 needs are actually met through food,” she added.

She mentioned that vitamin B6 is abundant in foods such as chicken, beef, fish, nuts, seeds, bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes. However, if supplements are consumed in excessive amounts exceeding 250 mg per day, it can lead to accumulation and cause nerve damage.

“The symptoms are called sensory neuropathy, characterized by tingling, numbness, balance disorders, and even muscle weakness,” she said.

This lecturer in biomedical pharmacology reminded us that supplements should be consumed wisely. “If we have a nutritious diet, supplementation is often unnecessary. Always read the label and dosage before buying supplements, and do not exceed the recommended daily allowance without medical advice,” she said.

She also added that people with certain health conditions or who plan to take several vitamins at once are strongly advised to consult a doctor or nutritionist first.

“In conclusion, vitamin B6 is indeed important, but everything in excess carries risks. Supplements should be a complement, not a replacement for healthy food. Their use should be tailored to the body’s needs,” she said. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)