The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is set to introduce new restrictions on vitamin B6 that will change how Australians buy and use supplements containing the ingredient. The move comes after growing evidence emerged that long-term use of high doses can cause life-altering nerve damage.

Under the new rules, low-dose B6 products will stay on regular retail shelves, while anything stronger will soon require a conversation with a pharmacist or even a doctor’s prescription. Below, exactly what you need to know.

So, what is changing when it comes to purchasing vitamin B6?

There are set to be new rules in place, depending on how much vitamin B6 a supplement or product contains. These can be broken down as follows:

• Up to 50 mg per day: still available for general sale in supermarkets and online
• More than 50 mg and up to 200 mg per day: only available over the counter with advice from a pharmacist
• Over 200 mg per day: prescription-only

When do these rules come into effect?

The updated safety controls will roll out from 1 June 2027, giving brands, pharmacies and healthcare providers time to adjust labels and manage stock.

Why is vitamin B6 being regulated?

While vitamin B6 is essential — helping with things like metabolism, cognitive function and nervous system health — Australians typically get enough from food. The average adult only needs around 1.1–1.7 mg per day, and deficiency is relatively rare outside of older adults or people with certain health conditions.

New findings suggest that the real concern is actually related to too much B6 which, taken over long periods, can cause peripheral neuropathy — symptoms like tingling, burning, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet. These symptoms can be severe and sometimes irreversible.

And what does this mean for consumers?

If you take multivitamins or B-complex supplements, it’s worth checking the label. It's also important to note that vitamin B6 may also be listed as pyridoxine, pyridoxamine or pyridoxal.

If you notice any nerve-related symptoms, the current advice is to stop taking these supplements immediately and speak to a healthcare professional. You can also report any supplement-related side effects via the TGA’s Adverse Event Reporting System, which helps regulators track emerging safety issues.