Résumé: Introduction: Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, encompasses six interconvertible vitamers involved in essential biological functions, particularly in neuronal metabolism. While its neuroprotective role is well established at physiological doses, neurotoxic effects have been observed with excessive supplementation, presenting clinical symptoms that may resemble those of deficiency and thereby complicate diagnosis. In the Algerian context, high-dose pyridoxine prescriptions appear to be frequent, often without clear regulatory oversight. This study aims to explore the frequency of adverse effects associated with high-dose vitamin B6 administration. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study includes 22 participants consuming pyridoxine at doses of 250 mg or higher, with varying dosages, as well as an analysis of 59 prescriptions containing this compound, collected from six pharmacies across the Annaba region. Data were gathered from medical records, patient interviews, and prescription reviews, with clinical signs categorized into sensory and motor manifestations. Results: The most common dosage was 500 mg/day, primarily prescribed by general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons for diabetic or secondary neuropathies. Inappropriate prescriptions were also noted, particularly in cases of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, where vitamin B1 is the recommended treatment. The most frequently reported sensory symptoms were paresthesia (57%), numbness (50%), and burning sensations (42.9%), while motor signs included difficulty walking (42.9%), muscle weakness (35.7%), and cramps (28.6%). Conclusion: These findings highlight a concerning pattern of high-dose pyridoxine prescriptions and underscore the need to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the associated risks. Establishing national guidelines to regulate its use is essential to align medical practices with international recommendations and to ensure the safe administration of a vitamin whose daily requirements are largely met through a balanced diet. Keywords: pyridoxine, vitamin B6, neurotoxicity, overdose, prescription, public health.

Résumé: Introduction: Nitrite salts are essential for the microbiological safety of processed meats, particularly for protection against botulism. However, they raise toxicological concerns due to their suspected role in colorectal cancer development. This study aimed to determine nitrite levels directly originating from food additives and to estimate consumer exposure risk based on the obtained data. Methods: Ten processed meat products (cachir, salami, pâté, and luncheon meat) from various local and imported brands were analyzed using the Griess spectrophotometric method following thermal extraction. In parallel, an online survey (n = 411) was conducted to estimate daily nitrite intake by age and sex among 220 active consumers of these products. Results: Nitrite concentrations ranged from 2.4 to 88.9 mg NO₂⁻/kg, with a mean of 36.9 ± 22.6 mg/kg. All samples were below regulatory limits established by Algerian and European standards (150 mg/kg). Estimated average intakes were below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by WHO at 70 μg/kg body weight/day for all study groups but reached up to 68% of the ADI among children aged 1–5 years, indicating a narrow safety margin. Cachir and salami, which contained higher nitrite concentrations, were identified as the primary contributors to exposure, particularly among younger consumers. Conclusion: These findings warrant confirmation using more specific analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography. Future studies should focus on measuring nitrates as indirect precursors of nitrites. Special attention should be directed toward frozen meat-based products to optimize industrial formulations and enhance parental awareness to reduce childhood exposure. _____________________________________________________________