Aussie Sounds Alarm on Common Supplement After Life-Changing Crisis
A Young Australian's Struggle with Vitamin B6 Overdose
A 33-year-old man from Melbourne, Dominic Noonan-O'Keeffe, has come forward with a troubling story about his experience with vitamin B6 supplements. He claims that taking a combination of Blackmores Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+ led to severe health issues, including pain and cognitive problems.
Noonan-O'Keeffe began using these supplements in May 2023, partly based on recommendations from health podcasters. Over several months, he developed symptoms such as fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, and visual disturbances. It wasn't until nine months later that his stepsister suggested the possibility of vitamin B6 toxicity after learning of a colleague's similar experience.
This realization prompted him to stop all supplements immediately and undergo a blood test. Within a week, he was diagnosed with B6 toxicity. He later discovered that the Magnesium+ supplement he had been taking contained approximately 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.
Despite this, Noonan-O'Keeffe still experiences numbness in his fingers, nerve pain in his neck, and reduced cognitive ability. He remains hopeful that he is nearing the end of a flare-up and that recovery is possible, though the long-term effects are uncertain.
Legal Action Against Blackmores
An injury law firm, Polaris Lawyers, has launched a class action investigation against Blackmores, the company behind the supplements. The firm is representing anyone who has suffered injuries from taking their products.
Polaris principal Nick Mann stated that over 300 people have expressed interest in joining the lawsuit. Many claim they experienced adverse effects from B6 supplements, either alone or in combination with other supplements.
Elli Carew, a 64-year-old woman, said she inadvertently took B6 through other supplements for years, which now interferes with her Parkinson's disease treatment. Penny Thompson, 61, described how her B6 toxicity first appeared as numbness in her hands and feet, leading to paralyzed vocal cords that affected her ability to eat and speak. This injury cost her her job as a TAFE teacher and resulted in additional health issues like headaches and gut pain.
Mann called these reports "alarming," highlighting the potential dangers of high B6 content in supplements available in pharmacies across Australia. He emphasized that consumers have the right to expect safe products, and manufacturers must ensure their safety regardless of regulatory approval.
Regulatory Changes and Company Response
In June, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced it would consider requiring supplements containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 to be stored behind pharmacy counters. This change would take effect in February 2027.
Blackmores responded to the situation, stating its commitment to "the highest standards of product quality and consumer safety." A company spokesman noted that all products, including those with vitamin B6, comply with TGA regulations, including maximum daily doses and warning statements. They also mentioned that they will adhere to the final determination of the TGA.
The case highlights the growing concerns around supplement safety and the need for greater awareness among consumers. As more individuals come forward with similar experiences, the conversation around vitamin B6 supplementation continues to evolve, urging both regulators and manufacturers to prioritize consumer health and safety.