The Hidden Risk in Your Supplement Stack: Vitamin B6 and Nerve Health
Scroll through the wellness aisle at your local pharmacy, or your Instagram feed, and you’ll find supplements promising everything from more energy to better mood and glowing skin. One nutrient that has been in the spotlight recently is vitamin B6.
Essential for brain function, metabolism, and immune health, B6 has been a supplement shelf staple for decades. But new insights from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and reports in the media highlight why it’s worth being mindful of how much you’re really taking.
“The tricky part is, symptoms can creep up slowly over months, even at doses as low as 10 mg.”
Why B6 Is Under Review
Earlier this year, the ABC reported on cases of Australians experiencing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning pain, migraines, and vision changes after long-term use of high-dose vitamin B6.
By mid-year, the Sydney Morning Herald covered a class action investigation against a major supplement brand, with hundreds of individuals alleging ongoing nerve-related side effects after taking B6-containing products.
In response to growing concerns, the TGA issued an interim decision proposing tighter regulation of B6 in supplements:
Up to 50 mg/day – available for general sale
50–200 mg/day – pharmacist-only access
Over 200 mg/day – prescription-only
New label warnings required above 10 mg/day
The Role of Cumulative Intake
The Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) notes that adverse reactions often occur when people are unknowingly taking B6 from multiple sources — a multivitamin, a protein powder, or a stress-relief blend — without realising how quickly the amounts add up.
“It’s not uncommon for me to see someone on three or four different supplements, all with a dose of B6. Add them together, and suddenly they’re edging towards unsafe levels,” says Anni Clinical Nutritionist Erica Greenwell. “The tricky part is, symptoms can creep up slowly over months, even at doses as low as 10 mg.”
Not All B6 Is the Same
Pyridoxine hydrochloride – the most common form; more often associated with reported cases of nerve-related side effects.
Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) – the active form; generally considered safer but not entirely risk-free.
ANTA advises practitioners to prefer P5P where appropriate, and always monitor patients for early symptoms.
“Beyond the sole focus on B6 supplementation in this instance, this highlights the vital role of qualified health professionals in assessing any health intervention,” says Clinical Nutritionist and Anni Ambassador Danielle Svensson. “Qualified and industry accredited health professionals are trained to guide patients with best-practice advice - prescribing the lowest effective dose, assessing all variables and factors in an individual case, and always working within scope. Through thorough clinical evaluations, clear communication, application, and structured re-evaluation, practitioners ensure optimal health outcomes while minimising unnecessary risk.
Individual Susceptibility Matters
It’s important to note that not everyone responds to supplementation the same way. As ANTA highlighted:
“A TGA spokesperson further asserted that many of the individuals involved in the adverse events that lead to the safety review would likely still have experienced issues with Vitamin B6 supplementation even at the proposed lower levels (and the full causes of their complications have not yet been fully elucidated, since multiple unique circumstances may be involved).”
ANTA’s Insights on the TGA’s Interim Report
In other words, some individuals may be more sensitive to B6 than others, regardless of dosage.
What to Watch For
Early signs of B6-related nerve irritation can include:
Tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands or feet
Weakness or balance issues
Migraines or headaches
Visual disturbances
If these symptoms appear, stop supplementation and consult a qualified health professional.
Guidance for Practitioners and Consumers
The TGA’s interim decision also notes that while risks exist, cases remain relatively uncommon.
As ANTA concludes:
“Even though the TGA recently stated that ‘cases of peripheral neuropathy are rare, particularly at dosages below 50 mg/day, and the risk is negligible when compared to the number of products available and large volume of sales’, you should always remain vigilant to any adverse events arising from any medicine your patient is taking.”
Your Supplement Safety Checklist
For consumers, this means it’s less about avoiding B6 entirely and more about awareness and balance:
Add it up – Check all your supplements and tally the total B6 dose.
Check the form – Know whether it’s pyridoxine or P5P.
Review regularly – Your health needs can change over time; so should your supplement use.
Consult a professional – Safe supplementation is best managed with guidance.
Book a Supplement Review with Anni
If you’re taking more than one supplement, especially for energy, mood, or hormonal support, it’s worth having a supplement safety check-up.
“A 20-minute review could save you months of uncertainty,” says Erica. “It’s not about avoiding supplements altogether — it’s about using them wisely, so they truly support your health.”
On Anni, you can connect with a qualified nutritionist or naturopath from anywhere — no waiting rooms, no guesswork. And that’s exactly why we exist. We bring you expert advice from trusted professionals in a judgment-free space, so you can build the habits and confidence you need to feel good in your own skin, whatever tools you choose to use along the way.
Bottom line:
Vitamin B6 is essential, but more is not always better. With new regulations on the way and increased awareness of cumulative risks, it’s a good time to review your supplement stack. Before you start something new (or if you’re already on a mix of products), book a supplement review with an Anni professional today.
Curious? Ready to explore?
Connect with one of our advisors today and start building your holistic health toolbox.
Anni has over 100 qualified nutrition professionals to choose from or why not talk with Erica or Danielle!
So if you’re looking for a one-on-one session with Erica or Danielle, they are available now!
“Qualified and industry accredited health professionals are trained to guide patients with best-practice advice - prescribing the lowest effective dose, assessing all variables and factors in an individual case, and always working within scope”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice. It should not be relied upon to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Vitamin and supplement use should be tailored to your individual needs in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always speak to your doctor, nutritionist, or other licensed practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplement regimen. Anni does not accept liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
About Erica Greenwell - BHSc (Nut&Diet Med); BBA; mANTA
Erica is a clinical nutritionist, mum, trail runner, swimmer, hiker, and a lover of good food, coffee, and great company. She believes nutrition should be practical, enjoyable, and fit seamlessly into everyday life. With a background in advertising and a passion for evidence‑based nutrition, she helps people cut through the noise to discover what truly supports their health, energy, and longevity. Her clinic, Green & Well Nutrition, provides ‘Practical Nutrition for Every Life Stage’
And while she loves fuelling her body well, Erica is a firm believer in balance—so you might just find her unwinding with a Negroni at the end of a great day.
About Danielle Svensson - BHSc (Nut Med); ANTA Executive Team
Danielle is coffee loving clinical nutritionist, deep-thinker, AM exercise enthusiast, and foodie (naturally!). She’s a qualified Clinical Nutritionist with a background in Technical Support, Clinical Practice, Nutraceutical Products and Functional Testing education and interpretation. I am passionate about health and the growth of holistic and complementary health modalities within the industry.
She solves women’s hormone imbalances and the effects of chronic stress, to help them lose weight, regain their energy, and live a more balanced, fulfilled life.
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