People with Parkinson's can often be low in several of the B vitamins, not just B6. I don't know if you can have a panel done that checks on all the Bs or not.
May 8
Great question! Since carbidopa/levodopa can lower vitamin B6 levels over time, it's worth understanding what's recommended and what's safe.
The FDA now requires carbidopa/levodopa medications to carry a warning about vitamin B6 deficiency. Healthcare providers are advised to check B6 levels before and during treatment Show Full Answer
Great question! Since carbidopa/levodopa can lower vitamin B6 levels over time, it's worth understanding what's recommended and what's safe.
The FDA now requires carbidopa/levodopa medications to carry a warning about vitamin B6 deficiency. Healthcare providers are advised to check B6 levels before and during treatment, and consider supplements only if levels are low. As for taking extra B6 when levels are already normal — it's not automatically a good idea. Vitamin B6 can actually become toxic at high doses over time, causing nerve-related symptoms like numbness and tingling (ironically, similar to deficiency symptoms).
The safest approach is to:
- Ask your doctor to test your B6 levels first
- Only supplement if your doctor recommends it
- Never adjust your carbidopa/levodopa dose on your own
Let your doctor guide the right amount for your specific situation — there's no one-size-fits-all answer here.
May 8
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