Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B6, particularly in its active form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), has a role in supporting nerve health due to its critical involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis, myelin formation, and amino acid metabolism. Scientific evidence supports the use of Vitamin B6 in certain cases of neuralgia and neuritis, but primarily when these neuropathies are linked to a deficiency of the vitamin. Clinical studies have shown that B6 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms, including neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances, which may improve upon supplementation. For example, Vitamin B6 supplementation is well-established in treating neuropathy associated with isoniazid therapy (an anti-tuberculosis drug that causes B6 deficiency) and in inherited disorders of B6 metabolism.

However, evidence supporting the use of Vitamin B6 supplementation in neuralgia or neuritis unrelated to deficiency (such as idiopathic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, or post-herpetic neuralgia) is limited and inconsistent. Some small studies and case reports suggest potential benefit, but larger randomized controlled trials are lacking, and excessive Vitamin B6 can itself be neurotoxic, causing sensory neuropathy at high doses. As such, current scientific guidelines recommend B6 supplementation only in cases of proven or suspected deficiency, not as a general treatment for neuralgia or neuritis. Overall, the use of Vitamin B6 for these conditions is supported by moderate scientific evidence in deficiency states (rating: 2/5), but not for broader, idiopathic use.

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