It’s easy to think that taking extra vitamins can only do good, but sometimes, too much of a good thing can have side effects.
Local GP Dr Miranda Sherley, who lives and works right here in Bungendore, recently published an article in the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP, August 2025) about the potential risks of taking high doses of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) from over-the-counter supplements.
Why this matters:
Vitamin B6 is essential for healthy nerves, metabolism, and energy — but unlike some vitamins, it can build up in the body if we take too much. High doses over time can irritate or damage nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands and feet.
How much do we really need?:
Most adults only need about 1–2 mg per day from food.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) now requires a warning label on products recommending more than 10 mg per day.
Some international guidelines suggest staying below 12 mg per day, which is well under what some supplement labels list.
What you can do:
Check supplement labels — look for “vitamin B6” or “pyridoxine” and add up totals if you take more than one product.
Get most of your B6 from food — wholegrains, meats, nuts, and vegetables contain all you need.
Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before combining multiple supplements or energy products.
You can read Dr Sherley’s full article here:
https://www1.racgp.org.au/…/pyridoxine-toxicity-from…
A big congratulations to Dr Miranda Sherley, one of Bungendore’s own GPs, for her published work raising awareness about safe vitamin use.
