Vitamin B6 Toxicity Has Become A Problem

Vitamin B6 Can Be Hidden In Supplements and Energy Drinks

Recent news about people unknowingly taking in too much Vitamin B6 has set off alarm bells in the health sector, with the health regulator, the Theraputic Goods Administration (TGA) also taking notice.

Although the TGA has been aware of the issue for some time, it appears that the true extent of the problem has been hidden.

It has only been a flurry of recent media reports which has highlighted the extent of the problem.

B6 has not been routinly screened for by GPs in health assessments, however B6 toxicity has been discussed at bariatric surgical meetings for several years and is part of our routine testing.

We have noticed an increased in elevated B6 results in the last 18months.

What Is B6 Toxicity?

Although the recommended daily intake of B6, which varies with age and gender, ranges between 1 mg/day for children aged 9–13 years, to 1.7 mg/day for men older than 50 years. The amount consumed is often far more than this.

The problem is, many vitamin supplements and sports and energy drinks contain B6. The cumulative intake can then exceed this amount without the person being aware of the problem.

This can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is a tingling or burning sensation or numbness, mainly in the hands and feet. Extreme cases can be quite debilitating.

Also, it is possible that these symptoms will not completely go away once you reduce your intake or stop taking B6 altogether.

How Do I Know My Intake?

It is not normally possible to exceed a safe B6 intake if your are eating just natural foods. It is only when your start eating processed foods and drink that B6 may become a problem.

It may be present in

• Many health and vitamin supplements
• Sports Drinks
• Energy Drinks

In the case of vitamins and supplements, health warnings may be present if the amount in the product exceeds certain thresholds.

To find out if you are taking vitamin B6, read the contents panel of the product. B6 can also be listed as:

• pyridoxine hydrochloride
• pyridoxal 5-phosphate
• pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate.

If you are in any doubt, do not hesitate to contact us and arrange an appointment. Contact the practice on 3355 2011.

If you are experiencing any tingling or numbness of extremities, you should stop intake of the products which contain vitamin B6 and seek medical advice immediately.

Note!! This information was correct at the time of publication, August 2025.