Harm in Giving Toddlers Too Much Vitamin B6

Vitamin B-6 is an essential nutrient for controlling metabolism, nerve signals and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. The Linus Pauling Institute states that most toddlers get the 0.5 mg recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-6 from eating fish, potatoes, bananas, spinach, dairy and whole-grain or fortified cereals. Unless a toddler has a deficiency, giving him a vitamin B-6 supplement could put too much vitamin B-6 in his body. Although the National Institutes of Health states that the harm too much vitamin B-6 can cause is usually only seen in prolonged use and is reversible, contact the Poison Control Center immediately if your toddler has taken too much vitamin B-6.

Nerve Damage

Toddlers who take too much vitamin B-6 may suffer nerve damage in the arms and legs, according to the National Institutes of Health. This causes balance problems, muscle spasms, tingling and numbness that affects fine and gross motor skills, hampering a toddler's ability to walk or hold and manipulate objects.

Sleep Disruption

Too much vitamin B-6 can interfere with the production of serotonin, leading to a disruption of a toddler's sleep cycle. This can make a toddler appear fatigued and irritable but unable to fall or stay asleep. The tingling sensations and muscle spasms from the nerve damage associated with a B-6 overdose can also interfere with the toddler getting restful sleep.

Difficulty Breathing

Vitamin B-6 overdose in a toddler can interrupt the nerve signals responsible for controlling the respiratory system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to the toddler having difficulty breathing or getting winded after slight exertion. In severe cases of overdose, a toddler could stop breathing completely.

Decreased Blood Pressure

Mayo clinic states that, in high doses, vitamin B-6 causes a decrease in blood pressure. In toddlers, this can lead to paleness, headaches, decreased heart rate and, in severe cases, shock.

Skin Reactions

Toddlers who have a innate sensitivity to vitamin B-6 may develop an allergic skin reaction if given too much. The Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health state that an allergic skin reaction reaction usually shows up as red, itchy, dry patches of skin.

References

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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