P5P, or Pyridoxine, is the active catalytic form of vitamin B6. Research has explored P5P’s role in healthy processes throughout the body. However, certain doses of P5P do not appear to be free from side effects, so it’s important for people who take this supplement, and those who may be sensitive to its effects, to be aware of the potential risks. Fortunately, most people take vitamin B6 without any noticeable issues. Among those who do experience these symptoms, careful planning can minimize P5P side effects and the potential benefits can be enjoyed free from secondary troubles.
Reported P5P Side Effects
- One of the reported side effects of P5P is clumsiness. Clumsiness is a difficult trait to test, especially since a researcher will not have observations of a patient’s behavior or data prior to the reported side effect. Many of these accounts rely on the subjective reports of the patients in question. Fortunately, this state is almost always reported only with high doses and with moderate severity. Still, people who are concerned about mobility and gracefulness should perhaps be wary of taking anything but recommended doses. Even then, it is always a good idea to pay attention to one’s own body when trying out a new medication or supplement. If you take P5P and seem to notice any adverse or unexpected changes, have a conversation with a trusted physician or therapist. P5P has many potential benefits, but potential side effects among certain individuals should also be acknowledged and carefully managed.
- Some patients report tingling or numbness in the extremities. When these symptoms occur in other medical scenarios, they are usually referred to as neuropathy. Because it is not fully understood why this happens to some people and not others, these symptoms should be addressed quickly. It is also unknown whether or not ongoing damage is occurring in these cases, and if so, how long it might take to repair. Fortunately, the study in the last link indicates that these symptoms most often accompany pyridoxine abuse, or individual high doses or regular doses which exceed recommended amounts. Even if these symptoms seem to appear after normal, recommended doses, they should still be taken seriously.
- Skin issues seem to be related to certain patients’ experience of P5P. Sensitivity to light and environmental factors have been reported. Skin difficulties can be distressing and uncomfortable, but they may be related to other causes. If you find that your skin seems less than healthy, a physician or dermatologist will be able to help you find the origin of the problem, be it P5P side effects or some other cause. On the other hand, as the above research indicates, vitamin B6 seems to have the potential for positive skin states. As always, dosage seems to be an important factor.
- The most uncommon side effect still reported from multiple sources is sensitivity to external stimuli, like light, sound, smell, and temperature. While this may not occur frequently among those who take pyridoxine, those who take this vitamin in supplemental form should be aware of this effect, just in case they experience it themselves.
There is no vitamin, mineral, or medicine which is free of unwanted side effects. However, some supplements seem to be associated with side effects more frequently than others. This is why recommended doses are determined by physicians and researchers around the world. Typically, supplements used within recommended ranges provide great potential benefits absent of unwanted secondary impact. It does appear that pyridoxine is one of those supplements to which certain patients may be sensitive. These effects are uncommon enough that a person should be able to try vitamin B6 without worry. Awareness of these effects will be of value, though, just in case issues do occur.
