Vitamin B6 Overload: Nerve Damage Risks Rise

High doses of vitamin B6, a nutrient vital for nerve health and metabolism, are increasingly linked to serious side effects, including nerve damage. This awareness is growing as vitamin B6 becomes more popular in supplements, electrolyte drinks, and fortified foods. Incidences of B6 toxicity are rising, prompting regulatory action. In November 2025, Australia began tightening restrictions on supplements exceeding 50 milligrams per daily dose, requiring them to be sold behind pharmacy counters starting mid-2027.

While rare, B6 poisoning can manifest with symptoms like numbness, tingling, nerve pain, and imbalance. Blair Huddy, for example, experienced severe symptoms, including vertigo and neuropathy, which were eventually traced to her daily consumption of an electrolyte drink mix high in vitamin B6. Her case underscores the fact that even water-soluble vitamins are chemicals that can be harmful in excess.

Experts emphasize that most people obtain sufficient B6 from their diet. However, the widespread presence of B6 in various products can lead to accidental overconsumption. The U.S. has a relatively high upper limit for adult B6 intake at 100 mg daily, compared to much lower limits in Europe and Australia. Consumers are advised to carefully check labels and total intake from all sources to avoid exceeding safe levels.