Vitamin B6 is a vital nutrient, and is one of eight B vitamins your body needs to stay healthy. It is essential for a range of functions within the body; from metabolism and immune function to brain health and red blood cell production. Vitamin B6 is ideally taken along with the other B group vitamins as they work together for optimal benefit. 

Given its importance for maintaining overall health, vitamin B6 is used widely as an ingredient in many supplements. The vast majority of people who take vitamin B6 supplements as directed experience no adverse effects. But, as for most ingredients, whether in supplements or foods, excessive consumption may lead to potential side effects in some people. 

Potential vitamin B6 effects and B6 toxicity 

Concerns about the safety of vitamin B6 occasionally surface, sparking discussions about its potential risks and the regulatory measures in place to protect Australian consumers. 

High doses of vitamin B6 have been linked to effects like numbness, burning or tingling in the hands and feet. These effects are more likely to occur when individuals unintentionally or deliberately consume excessive amounts of vitamin B6, which can be found in supplements, energy drinks, cereals, or protein shakes, as well as many foods. Paradoxically, the same symptoms are experienced in vitamin B6 deficiency. 

The reasons why some individuals have greater sensitivity to the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation and others do not still need to be fully understood. Research and case studies do show that in instances where effects occur, they can be reversible, even after prolonged ingestion of over 20 years. 

How is vitamin B6 regulated in Australia 

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all medicines and supplements. They have strict requirements in place to mitigate potential safety issues and monitor reported adverse reactions for all medicines. 

The TGA requires medicines that contain vitamin B6 at doses over 10 milligrams a day to display an advisory statement on the label, which clearly communicates the signs to be aware of and provides the recommended daily dose These measures are in place to strike the balance between ongoing consumer access to vitamin in B6 supplements, while mitigating the potential risks.  

Complementary medicines are also subject to stringent advertising rules, ensuring that consumers are aware of these warnings through various channels.  

How to take vitamin B6 safely 

If you are unsure about taking a supplement, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions, or are taking other medications. A health professional, such as your nutritionist, dietician, naturopath, or GP can help to advise you on getting the nutrients your body needs to thrive, in safe amounts. 

If you are taking a supplement that contains vitamin B6, ensure you are following the recommended dose and being mindful of the warnings provided on product labels. For adults, if you take more than one supplement that contains vitamin B6, make sure the total daily dose is no more than 100 mg, unless advised by a health professional.   

When buying any supplement, make sure you buy a product approved for sale in Australia. These products will have an ‘AUST L’, ‘AUST LA’ or ‘AUST R’ number printed on the front of the label. That number shows that the product is subject to the strict regulatory requirements. It is especially important to keep an eye out for these numbers on products when shopping online, as products not approved for sale in Australia may potentially contain dangerous ingredients, or dangerous amounts of ingredients. You can check if the vitamin or mineral supplement you are taking is approved for sale in Australia by checking the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).