Vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel syndrome

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Vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel syndrome

Some people who have carpal tunnel syndrome have been found to have a vitamin B6 deficiency. The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6 ranges from for adults through age 50 to for breast-feeding women.

Researchers have had mixed results when studying vitamin B6 supplements to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. One study found that to a day is effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms, and other studies found no link between vitamin B6 levels and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or their improvement in automotive plant workers.¹

Most people can get a healthy amount of vitamin B6 from their regular daily diet. Top vitamin B6 sources include fortified breakfast cereals, garbanzo and other beans, meat, poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas.

Using supplements with caution

High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). The Institute of Medicine has established an upper safe limit of a day for adults. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements for carpal tunnel syndrome.

References

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Citations
Lewis DC (2006). Carpal tunnel syndrome. In JE Pizzorno Jr, MT Murray, eds., Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd ed., vol. 2., pp. 1557–1561. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Credits

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Last Updated	October 29, 2008

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Last updated:	October 29, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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