Tejal SomvanshiYour daily energy boost might be hiding something sinister. While energy drinks promise a quick pick-me-up, they’re delivering a nerve-damaging surprise to thousands of Australians. The culprit? Vitamin B6 – and the numbers are stacking up faster than a sci-fi body count.
What’s Actually in That Can?
Vitamin B6 supports energy metabolism and nervous system function. Adults need between 1.3-1.7mg daily, easily found in meat, fish, potatoes, and bananas.
But energy drinks operate by different rules – like they’re from another dimension. Many pack 5-10 times the recommended amount in a single serving. Some specialty brands like BSc Energy contain up to 10mg per 500ml can. Consuming multiple drinks daily multiplies your intake rapidly.
“It’s alarming to walk down the vitamin aisle of any chemist in Australia and see vitamin supplements containing levels of B6 which are far and above the recommended daily intake,” says Nick Mann of Polaris Lawyers, now investigating a class action against supplement manufacturers.
When Your Nervous System Rebels
Since January 2025, Australia has recorded approximately 2,700 probable neuropathy cases linked to B6 toxicity. The first warning signs feel like subtle invasions – tingling or burning sensations in hands and feet, fatigue, and headaches. Without intervention, symptoms progress to muscle weakness, balance problems, and permanent nerve damage.
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology reports about 30% of tested patients have B6 levels exceeding 250 nmol/L – the threshold where nerve damage becomes likely.
The science gets weird here. Research shows excess pyridoxine (the B6 form in supplements and drinks) blocks an enzyme called pyridoxal kinase. This enzyme transforms B6 into its active form needed for nerve function. When disrupted, it messes with GABA neurotransmission in sensory neurons, potentially triggering excitotoxicity and nerve degeneration. Your nervous system literally turns upside-down.
More Posts
The Hidden Danger of Cumulative Exposure
The real monster in this story is cumulative exposure. You’re probably getting B6 from multiple sources – energy drinks plus multivitamins, magnesium supplements, protein shakes, and fortified cereals.
Multiple experts warn that toxicity often stems from taking several B6-containing products simultaneously, with many consumers unaware of their combined intake.
Making matters worse, B6 often hides behind chemical disguises – pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, or pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate. Most consumers don’t recognize these aliases.
Regulatory Responses and Industry Stance
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has acknowledged the growing problem. As of June 2025, they’ve received over 170 official reports of peripheral neuropathy linked to B6 products, with the majority occurring since 2023. Experts believe the actual numbers are much higher due to underreporting.
In response, the TGA’s interim decision would reclassify products containing more than 50mg of B6 daily as “Pharmacist Only Medicine” by February 2027. Currently, listed medicines have a maximum permitted dose of 100mg per day, while supplements up to 200mg remain available over-the-counter. Any product exceeding 10mg must display a neuropathy warning.
The Australian Beverages Council maintains energy drinks comply with food safety regulations. CEO Geoff Parker states that “vitamin B6 is permitted for use as an ingredient in energy drinks under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code” and labels include recommended consumption limits.
International Perspective
Australia isn’t alone in this fight. In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set its tolerable upper intake level at 12mg/day based on toxicity concerns. This stands in stark contrast to the US National Academy of Medicine’s 100mg/day limit.
Recent medical literature has documented cases of neuropathic pain in patients consuming energy drinks containing high levels of vitamin B6, with symptoms improving after cessation.
Legal Action Brewing
Polaris Lawyers announced a class action investigation against Blackmores and potentially other manufacturers in May 2025. Lead plaintiff Dominic Noonan-O’Keeffe developed neuropathy after taking supplements containing approximately 29 times the recommended daily B6 intake. Despite stopping in early 2024, he battles daily nerve pain.
The firm has received hundreds of responses from affected individuals. Blackmores maintains their products comply with TGA regulations, including maximum permitted doses and warning statements.
Protecting Yourself
To avoid becoming part of this growing statistic:
- Check labels for all forms of vitamin B6 (including chemical names).
- Track your total B6 intake across all supplements and energy drinks.
- Be aware that symptoms like tingling or numbness in hands and feet could signal B6 toxicity.
- Consider whether you actually need supplemental B6 – most people get enough from diet alone.
- If experiencing symptoms, stop B6-containing products and consult a healthcare provider.
As Australia grapples with this emerging health issue, the message is clear: what’s giving you energy today could be taking away your nerve function tomorrow. That upside-down feeling might not just be the caffeine talking – it could be your nervous system sending an urgent warning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is vitamin B6 and why do we need it?
Vitamin B6 helps your body turn food into energy and supports healthy nerve and red blood cell function.
How much vitamin B6 do adults need each day?
Most adults require about 1.3–1.7 mg of vitamin B6 daily, which can be met through a balanced diet.
How do energy drinks contribute to B6 overload?
Some energy drinks contain 5–10 mg of B6 per can. Drinking several cans in a day can push you past safe limits.
What are the first signs of too much B6?
Early symptoms include tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet, often accompanied by fatigue.
How can I spot vitamin B6 on a label?
Look for names like pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or pyridoxamine in the ingredients list.
Who faces higher risk of B6 toxicity?
People combining energy drinks with multivitamins, protein shakes, or fortified foods are more likely to exceed safe intake.
How can I prevent B6 toxicity?
Track all sources of B6 in your diet, read labels carefully, and avoid taking multiple high-dose supplements at once.
What should I do if I suspect B6 overdose?
If you experience persistent tingling or numbness, stop B6-containing products and consult a healthcare professional for testing.
