A Young Australian’s Struggle with Vitamin B6 Overdose
A 33-year-old man from Melbourne, Dominic Noonan-O’Keeffe, claims that taking a vitamin B6 supplement has caused him long-term pain and cognitive issues. His experience has led to a class-action lawsuit against Blackmores, one of Australia’s largest wellness companies.
Noonan-O’Keeffe began using two supplements—Blackmores Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+—in May 2023, partly based on recommendations from health podcasters. Over several months, he developed a range of symptoms linked to excessive vitamin B6 intake. These included fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, and visual disturbances.
Nine months after starting the supplements, his stepsister noticed something was wrong and asked if he was taking B6. She had heard about a colleague suffering from B6 toxicity. This prompted him to stop all supplements immediately and get a blood test, which confirmed the diagnosis within a week.
He later discovered that the Magnesium+ supplement he was taking contained approximately 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6. Despite stopping the supplements, Noonan-O’Keeffe still experiences numbness in his fingers, nerve pain in his neck, and reduced cognitive ability. He remains hopeful for recovery, though the long-term effects are still unclear.
Legal Action Against Blackmores
An injury law firm, Polaris Lawyers, has launched a class-action investigation against Blackmores following reports of similar cases. The firm is representing anyone who has suffered injuries from taking the company’s supplements.
Polaris principal Nick Mann said over 300 people have contacted the firm about joining the suit. Many claim they experienced adverse effects from taking B6 supplements, either alone or in combination with other products.
Elli Carew, 64, reported that she inadvertently took high levels of B6 through other supplements for years, which now interferes with her Parkinson’s disease treatment. Penny Thompson, 61, described how B6 toxicity initially presented as numbness in her hands and feet, eventually leading to paralyzed vocal cords. This affected her ability to eat and speak, resulting in her losing her job as a TAFE teacher. She also developed headaches, gut pain, and further numbness.
Mann called these reports “alarming,” highlighting the risks associated with high-dose vitamin B6 supplements available in pharmacies across Australia. He emphasized that consumers should be able to trust that the products they purchase are safe.
Regulatory Response and Company Stance
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 not take effect until February 2027.
A Blackmores spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of product quality and consumer safety. They stated that all their products, including those containing vitamin B6, are developed in strict compliance with TGA regulations. This includes adherence to maximum permitted daily doses and inclusion of warning statements.
The company acknowledged the TGA’s interim decision and pledged to ensure full compliance with its final determination.
Ongoing Concerns and Public Awareness
The case of Dominic Noonan-O’Keeffe and others highlights growing concerns about the safety of over-the-counter vitamin supplements. As more people turn to supplements for health benefits, the potential risks of overconsumption remain a serious issue.
Health professionals and legal experts continue to call for greater transparency and regulation in the supplement industry. Consumers must be informed about the possible dangers of high-dose vitamins and the importance of consulting healthcare providers before starting any new regimen.
As the legal battle against Blackmores continues, the outcome could set a precedent for how supplement manufacturers are held accountable for the safety of their products. For now, individuals like Noonan-O’Keeffe serve as a reminder of the real-life consequences of unchecked supplement use.
