The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society Responds to the ABC 7:30 Report on Vitamin B6

Introduction:

• The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) acknowledges the recent concerns raised in the ABC 7:30 report about adverse reactions to Vitamin B6, particularly peripheral neuropathy.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) is a widely used vitamin with a long history of use that can be purchased in supermarkets, health food stores, and pharmacies without a prescription. Additionally, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) is prescribed by a qualified accredited health professional, such as a naturopath and nutritionist, for various health conditions.
• Products containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) are Listed Medicines on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Products containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) may also contain other active ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
• Pyridoxine is a mandatory component of pyridoxine hydrochloride and pyridoxal 5-phosphate.
• Listed Medicines containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) with a recommended daily dose above 10 mg per day have a mandatory warning statement that is required on the label:
  • WARNING – Stop taking this medication if you experience tingling, burning or numbness and see your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible. [Contains vitamin B6].
• Additionally, Listed Medicines containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) have a limit for the maximum recommended daily dose of pyridoxine. The maximum recommended daily dose of the medicine must not provide more than:
  • (i) 15 mg of pyridoxine for children aged between 1 and 3 years (inclusive);
  • (ii) 20 mg of pyridoxine for children aged between 4 and 8 years (inclusive);
  • (iii) 30 mg of pyridoxine for children aged between 9 and 13 years (inclusive);
  • (iv) 40 mg of pyridoxine for individuals aged 14 and 18 years (inclusive);
  • (v) 100 mg of pyridoxine for individuals aged 19 years and older

Key Points:

• Consumer Safety Priority: ATMS emphasises that consumer safety is paramount, and we urge consumers to immediately stop the use and report any adverse reactions to products containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) to the store or company of purchase or prescribing accredited health practitioner. Additionally, ATMS recommends that consumers always read the label and, if symptoms persist, talk to an accredited health practitioner.
• Consult Accredited Health Practitioners: ATMS encourages consumers to always consult with qualified health practitioners accredited through associations, such as ATMS, for their health needs. These accredited qualified health practitioners can properly assess risks and contraindications and ensure the safe and appropriate use of products, including nutritional and herbal medicines.
• Find a Practitioner Tool: ATMS offers a Find a Practitioner tool to help consumers connect with accredited qualified health practitioners for safe and informed guidance on products, including nutritional and herbal medicines.
• Vitamin B6 Risks: While products containing Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate) have a long history of use and have numerous beneficial effects, like with all medicines, they are not risk-free. Professional oversight ensures that they are used safely, particularly in cases of rare adverse reactions. ATMS recommends that consumers always read the label and, if symptoms persist, talk to an accredited health practitioner.
• Commitment to Quality and Education: ATMS is dedicated to promoting high standards of practice and ongoing education on the benefits and potential risks of nutritional and herbal supplements.

Conclusion:

ATMS will continue to monitor these developments on Vitamin B6 and provide updates to our members and the public, reinforcing our commitment to safe and effective natural medicine practices.

“ATMS strongly encourages consumers to consult accredited health practitioners who can assess their individual health needs and guide them in safe nutritional and herbal medicine use. Consulting an accredited health practitioner emphasises the importance of professional consultation before supplement use.” – Annie Gibbons, ATMS CEO

The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) is Australia’s largest multi-modality national professional association, actively advocating for the collective interests of natural medicine practitioners across the country. Our mission is to promote, represent and support natural medicine practitioners who are encouraged to pursue the highest ideals of professionalism in their natural medicine practice and education.