Worries about the risks of taking too much Vitamin B6 are increasingly growing. In response, Americans are calling on lawmakers to enact tougher regulations on dietary supplements and energy drinks. Dr. Terri-Lynne South has been a leading advocate for warning consumers about high levels of Vitamin B6. She raises the chilling examples of toxicity that have cropped up over the last few months. As demand for vitamin supplements increases, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responding. They are calling for all supplements containing more than 50mg of B6 to be removed from shelves and make these products available only behind pharmacy counters.
Blood test data from Gaudreault’s cohort uncovered more than 2,700 probable cases of neuropathy and other long-term health complications due to Vitamin B6 toxicity. This shocking situation was revealed as far back as January of this year. By many accounts consumer awareness of safety regulations or energy drinks and dietary supplements has since become a contentious issue.
Dr. Alexandra Jones, an influential researcher in nutritional science, attacks the excessive amounts of Vitamin B6 found in many energy drinks. She contends that there can be no justification for such an inordinate sum. The safe intake limit for adults is 50mg daily. Unfortunately, a huge number of products exceed this safe level. Industry standards set by the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards agency (FSANZ) have set B6 levels in energy drinks at 10mg per day. In contrast, energy drinks sold in Australia usually have around 2.1mg of B6 per 250ml serve.
The Hidden Risks of Vitamin B6
Monique, one victim of the rarity known as Vitamin B6 toxicity, suffered life-changing health problems after regularly drinking protein shakes and taking multivitamins. Her case illustrates the secret and often unknown risks of vitamin supplementation. A quick check of the most popular multivitamin products show levels of around 25mg of B6—which is higher than what’s in energy drinks, by the way.
Monique spoke about how her usage of vitamins led to the opposite outcome she intended. She noted how easy it is to dismiss the possible danger of these types of supplements.
“This has rocked my world, mentally … how could I be this f***ing stupid? … I never in the life of me thought it was dangerous … I just thought you’d urinate it out.” – Matthew
Matthew’s experience echoes Monique’s sentiments. Significantly, he found himself with close to three times the toxic level of B6 in his bloodstream. As a consequence, he began suffering rapidly escalating and debilitating symptoms including a burning sensation and pins and needles all over his body.
“I was at work and my whole body would be burning inside — pins and needles — but with this burning sensation in my limbs.” – Matthew
Monique’s and Matthew’s experiences both highlight the importance of awareness around vitamin supplementation and its adverse health effects.
The Call for Regulatory Changes
He cautions that the marketing of Vitamin B6 is very misleading. It pushes the vitamin as an “energy giving” cure-all while ignoring safety concerns that are paramount. She explains that these vitamins are crucial in our body’s production of cellular energy. Their high concentrations across various products can unintentionally lead to overdoses.
“Most of these products, promoting B-vitamins, are marketed as ‘energy-giving’, and that comes from the understanding that a lot of these vitamins are co-factors of generating energy in cells,” – Dr. Terri-Lynne South
With energy drink consumption on the rise, experts are calling on regulators such as FSANZ and TGA to reconsider current standards. The other commonsense practice that Dr. South identifies is the urgent need for collaboration among regulatory bodies. Unfortunately, consumer advocacy groups can’t face the cumulative chemical hazards of Vitamin B6 alone.
“This increases the impetus for regulators like Food Standards Australian New Zealand and the Therapeutic Goods Administration to coordinate together, because it’s about the cumulative risks of this amount of B6 being in our food supply.” – Dr. Terri-Lynne South
Dr. Alexandra Jones was a fierce advocate for this call to review. She claims six times the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B6 is no place for a stimulant-laden drink.
“There’s no good reason why energy drinks need to have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them,” – Associate Professor Alexandra Jones
The Way Forward
As medical experts continue to sound the alarm on Vitamin B6 toxicity, consumers need to be aware of what they’re putting in their bodies. It is included in thousands of products, from breakfast cereals to protein bars. Not surprisingly, people may be consuming more than what’s considered safe intake limits without their knowledge.
Dr. South agrees that improved regulations and more clear labeling are important ways to minimize these risks. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to speak with a health-care provider before starting any new supplement routine.
