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Nerve Damage Prompts TGA Action on Vitamin B6
26 Nov
Summary
- Supplements with over 50mg Vitamin B6 moved behind pharmacy counter.
- Hundreds report nerve damage from long-term high-dose B6 use.
- New rules effective June 2027, adult daily intake is 1.3-1.7mg.
Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is implementing new regulations for supplements containing high levels of Vitamin B6, effective from June 2027. Products exceeding 50mg per recommended daily dose will be restricted to sale behind pharmacy counters. This decision stems from a TGA review that identified approximately 250 reports of peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, and related side effects linked to prolonged intake of these supplements.
The recommended daily intake for a healthy adult is significantly lower, between 1.3mg and 1.7mg. The surge in reports, particularly since 2023, has prompted regulatory action. Sports dietitian Dr. Evangeline Mantzioris from the University of South Australia supports the TGA's changes, stating they are "sensible and needed to protect the general population."
This regulatory shift addresses concerns about the increasing market for Vitamin B-enriched products and their marketing. Consumers should be aware of these upcoming changes and consult pharmacists if they have concerns about their Vitamin B6 supplement use or potential side effects.
