Hidden Vitamin B6: Could Your Supplements Be Adding Up?

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Tuesday, October 13, 2026 - 1:32pm

Many people don't realise that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is found in a wide range of over-the-counter supplements, not just B-complex vitamins. It is commonly added to multivitamins, magnesium supplements, zinc supplements, "anti-stress" formulas, energy drinks and other wellness products.

In pregnancy, vitamin B6 is often used to help manage nausea and vomiting, with commonly recommended doses of 25-50 mg per day. Pregnancy also increases the body's requirement for vitamin B6. However, more is not always better.

The concern is that people may unknowingly take vitamin B6 from multiple sources, causing their total daily intake to add up quickly.

Vitamin B6 may be found in:

  • Multivitamins
  • B-complex and stress-support supplements
  • Some magnesium products
  • Some zinc products
  • Energy drinks
  • Pre-workout and fitness supplements

Why does it matter?

Excessive vitamin B6 intake can cause peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can result in:

  • Tingling in the hands or feet
  • Burning sensations
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness

In some cases, the effects can be severe and may be long-lasting or irreversible. The risk is greatest when people take high-dose B6 supplements or multiple products containing B6.

What should you do?

  • Check the ingredient list of all supplements, energy drinks and workout products you're using.
  • Remember that vitamin B6 may also be listed as pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine.
  • Be cautious when taking multiple supplements together.
  • If you experience tingling, burning or numbness, seek medical advice promptly.

If you're taking supplements and would like to make sure you're not inadvertently putting yourself at risk of harm, consider asking your GP for a referral to our Primary Care Pharmacist, Michael Connolly, for a comprehensive medication and supplement review.

A medication review can help identify:

  • Excessive vitamin or mineral intake
  • Duplicate ingredients across different products
  • Potential interactions between medicines and supplements
  • Opportunities to simplify your supplement regimen

Your supplements should support your health, not accidentally cause problems.

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