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 1.3 mg for adults through age 50 to 2 mg 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 200 mg to 300 mg 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 100 mg a day for adults. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Credits
| 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 |
