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 1.3mg for adults through age 50 to 2mg for breast-feeding women.

Researchers have had mixed results when studying vitamin B6 supplements to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.^{1, 2} One study found that 200mg to 300mg per day is effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms, and another study found no link between vitamin B6 levels and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or their improvement in automotive plant workers.²

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 100mg per day for adults. Talk to your health professional before taking vitamin B6 supplements for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Citations

1. Feuerstein M, et al. (1999). Clinical management of carpal tunnel syndrome: A 12-year review of outcomes. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 35(3): 232–245.

2. 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.