Safety of pyridoxine--a review of human and animal studies.

A literature review was conducted on adverse effects associated with administration of high oral doses of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to animals and man. The human data suggest that doses of pyridoxine greater than 500 mg/day for prolonged periods of time can result in sensory nerve damage. Doses less than 500 mg/day appear to be safe on the basis of literature reports where the compound was administered for periods ranging from 6 months to 6 years.