Re: Vitamin b-6

I have had PN since 2004 and in 2008 was also diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy. Over the years, I have had B12 checked on a regular basis, and it was always within normal ranges. Then, in 2009 I was referred to a Neuromuscular Clinic. The doctor there did a full B panel. And found my B6 too low. Normal ranges are 5.0 to 30.0. Mine was 2.6.

I was started on 100 mg daily of B6. I did some internet research on B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency. I realize I can’t state the sources, but here are quotes from some of the articles I found:

[QUOTE]Pyridoxine deficiency is listed as a "rare disease" by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This means that Pyridoxine deficiency, or a subtype of Pyridoxine deficiency, affects less than 200,000 people in the US population.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Pyridoxine deficiency causes blood, skin, and nerve changes. [B][COLOR="Blue"]This vitamin is unique in that either deficiency or excess can cause peripheral neuropathy[/COLOR][/B].[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Pyridoxine absorption is reduced in elderly persons and in patients with intestinal disease or who have undergone surgery.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Acquired deficiency is associated with inflammatory disorders and with concurrent use of several medications.[/QUOTE]

Several medications were listed that could contribute to a Pyridoxine deficiency, but two jumped out for me: anticonvulsants and antidepressants. I am on both. And, since I have also had abdominal surgery 13 times, I probably have a double whammy.

Within a month of taking the B6 supplements, I started to come alive again. That lasted about 3 months, when I started to feel the slide. The next time I saw the doctor, my B6 level had fallen even lower to 1.9.

I was told to increase the B6 until I was feeling good again. I am now at 200 mg a day, and feeling like joining the human race. If your doctor has suggested B6 supplements, he may be right.

Probably the only question I would have for you is this: Is he just having you ‘try’ it, or is his recommendation supported by lab tests?

Re: Vitamin b-6

Aussie,

How much nerve damage symptoms do you feel the b12 treatment actually reversed for you? How much time did it take? The more I read about this deficiency the more the symptoms seem related. But I do have motor dyfunction in my hands that I hope heals.I also have a slight tremor in my hands. Could this be a part of the nerve damage, and if so can it heal?