A major rethink of vitamin B6 safety is underway in Australia, with health authorities proposing a substantial reduction in the amount adults should consume each day.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has recommended cutting the current upper daily limit for vitamin B6 from 50 milligrams to 14 milligrams — a reduction of about 72 per cent.

The change follows a review of international evidence suggesting that prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can damage the nervous system.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient and is naturally present in foods including meat, fish and vegetables. The recommended amount needed for normal health, around 1.3mg a day for adults, is not changing. The concern is primarily excessive intake from concentrated and fortified products.

One of the biggest challenges is that people may consume B6 from several products without realising it. The vitamin can appear in multivitamins, B-complex supplements, magnesium and zinc products, protein powders, energy drinks and weight-loss products.

Australian authorities recorded 279 potential cases of peripheral neuropathy associated with pyridoxine since 2020, although regulators acknowledge that this figure cannot be used to estimate the true number of cases in the population.

Neurologists say excessive B6 exposure can cause symptoms including tingling, pins and needles, burning or painful sensations, muscle problems and, in severe cases, nerve damage that may become permanent.

Energy drinks have also attracted attention. Some contain around 5mg of B6 in a single can, meaning people consuming several products in the same day could accumulate significant amounts.

The proposed 14mg limit is not yet a new law. Public submissions are open until September 30, with a final recommendation expected next year. Australia’s medicines regulator, the TGA, is also considering stronger warnings and labelling requirements.

For consumers, the message is simple: check the labels of every supplement and fortified product you take rather than assuming that “vitamin” automatically means harmless.