Parkinson’s Australia is alerting our community to important proposed changes surrounding Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), currently under review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) due to its link to peripheral neuropathy, a potentially serious form of nerve damage.
Vitamin B6, found in food, energy drinks, complementary medicines, and supplements, plays a vital role in brain health and nerve function. However, excessive intake, particularly through high-dose supplements, can trigger symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the hands and feet. Alarmingly, some people may experience these effects at lower doses or after long-term use.
Proposed Changes to the Poisons Standard
To reduce risk, the TGA’s interim decision includes:
| Amendment | Description |
|---|---|
| Schedule 3 Reclassification | Products with 50–200mg/day to become Pharmacist Only Medicines |
| Labelling Enhancements | Stronger warnings on packaging, with clearer identification of all Vitamin B6 chemical forms |
| Schedule 4 for High Doses | Products exceeding 200mg/day to require a prescription |
What You Should Know
- Recommended intake for adults is just 1.3–1.7 mg/day, yet many common supplements far exceed this amount.
- Current regulations already require warnings on products with over 10mg/day.
- Risk varies by individual, and toxicity can arise from multiple products used together, even at modest doses.
- Vitamin B6 interacts with Parkinson’s medications, particularly levodopa, potentially compromising its effectiveness unless paired with carbidopa.
- Get your vitamins from nutritious, healthy foods and only use supplements if advised to.
Explore the interaction details here ›
What You Can Do
We encourage all community members, especially those living with Parkinson’s, to:
- Review all supplements and complementary therapies: Look for forms such as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
- Calculate your total daily Vitamin B6 intake, including drinks like energy blends or B-complex formulas.
- Monitor symptoms, and discontinue supplements if you notice unusual tingling or pain.
- Request a Home Medicines Review (HMR) to assess your medications and supplements. Pharmacists can help identify risky combinations and interactions.
Speak with your GP about whether B6 supplementation is necessary. It’s typically only advised when a deficiency is confirmed through blood tests or clinical guidance.
Have Your Say
The TGA is now welcoming public submissions on these proposed changes until 27 July 2025.
This is your chance to contribute to safer health standards, especially if you’ve been affected by supplement-related nerve damage or medication interactions.
Visit the TGA consultation portal to make a submission.
Parkinson’s Australia will continue to monitor this issue closely and advocate for clear, evidence-based guidance for our community. If you’re unsure, speak with your care team and don’t hesitate to ask for support.
For detailed documentation, see:
