Understanding Vitamin B6: Forms, Risks, and Why We Leave It Out

 

At Nutraviva, health and safety are top priorities. We’re committed to products that are both effective and responsible, backed by current research and compliant with Australian regulatory standards. That’s why you won’t find added vitamin B6 in any product in our range.

 

Understanding Vitamin B6 and Recent Safety Concerns

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many physiological functions, including protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune system support. However, recent safety concerns have highlighted the importance of careful dosage and medical advice, particularly when consumed in supplement form. Vitamin B6 which is naturally found in food does not cause peripheral neuropathy. The concern applies to supplemental forms of B6 taken at high doses over extended periods.

According to updated guidance from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), there is an increased awareness around the risks associated with high daily intakes of vitamin B6. Specifically, daily doses exceeding 50 mg have been associated with peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves and can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, most commonly in the hands and feet.

Additionally, as highlighted by the TGA, vitamin B6 is often present in multivitamins and mineral supplements, vitamin B complexes, and products formulated in combination with magnesium or zinc. These combinations can make it easy to unknowingly exceed the recommended daily intake, especially when multiple products are used together.

For this reason, we strongly recommend checking all supplement labels carefully and speaking with a qualified healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your total intake.

 

What are the Regulatory Guidelines for Vitamin B6?

To protect consumer safety, the TGA has implemented strict labelling requirements under Australian regulatory standards. Any product containing more than 50 mg of vitamin B6 per daily dose must include a warning label to alert consumers to the potential risk of nerve damage. This regulation applies to all complementary medicines listed under the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

These changes reflect growing evidence that excessive, long-term vitamin B6 supplementation may not be as benign as previously believed, especially when used without professional supervision.

 

Our Commitment to Safety and Transparency

At Nutraviva, we have chosen not to include vitamin B6 in any of our products for several key reasons:

Safety First: We take a precautionary approach, avoiding ingredients that may pose risks when taken unsupervised or in high doses.

Product Focus: Our formulations are grounded in wholefood derived nutrients like hydrolysed collagen, bone broth, and gelatin powder, offering natural support for wellness without unnecessary additives.

We understand that many consumers seek clean label supplements and expect full transparency in what they’re taking. You can rest assured that our collagen, bone broth, gelatin, or supplement products do not contain added vitamin B6.

 

What to Know Before Supplementing with Vitamin B6

If you're considering vitamin B6 supplementation, it's important to understand that there are three common forms used in supplements:

- Pyridoxine hydrochloride

- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate

- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate

These chemical names may be listed on product labels instead of the common name ‘vitamin B6’. While pharmaceutical companies are required to list the exact form used, they are not always required to include the term ‘vitamin B6’ itself.

That’s why it’s essential to read supplement labels carefully and look for any of these names to understand how much vitamin B6 you're actually consuming, especially if you’re taking multiple products that could contribute to your total daily intake.

We always recommend speaking with a qualified health professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, particularly when it involves nutrients with upper intake limits like vitamin B6.

 

At Nutraviva, we prioritise your wellbeing by offering clean, effective, and natural products. If you have further questions about our ingredients or formulations, we welcome you to get in touch with our team for more information.