20 JUNE 2025 2 NEWS ausdoc. com. au
20 JUNE 2025 2 NEWS ausdoc. com. au
Call to join B6 class action
Blackmores faces legal battle over its vitamins.
Heather Saxena LAWYERS are investigating a potential class action against vitamin giant Blackmores after patients who took vitamin B6 supplements allegedly developed peripheral neuropathy.
Polaris Lawyers said it had received 30-40 enquiries from potential plaintiffs in a week, and the number“ continued to increase every day”.
The prospective lead plaintiff, Dominic Noonan-O’ Keeffe, had allegedly recorded 70 times the normal levels of B6 after taking Blackmores Super Magnesium + and Ashwagandha +.
Four months after starting the supplements, the new father— in his early 30s— developed severe headaches, fatigue and environmental hypersensitivity, said Polaris Lawyers’ founder Nick Mann.
It is alleged that Mr Noonan-O’ Keeffe then developed muscle spasm, neuralgia, heart palpitations, visual disturbances and loss of sensation across his body so severe that doctors considered motor neurone disease or MS.
“ There was probably a month when … he had difficulty walking,” Mr Mann said.
“ He ceased taking the product over a year ago, and he still has neurological problems.“ Then there is the psychiatric impact.“ He thought he had motor neurone disease and was dying when he had a new baby.”
Mr Mann said the class action targeted Blackmores because it had produced the brand of supplements that Mr Noonan-O’ Keeffe had used, but other manufacturers could be investigated.
He said the potential settlement the firm would seek depended on the numbers in the class action but would be“ in the millions of dollars”.
“ The fact that potentially harmful supplements have been approved for sale by the regulator does not alter the legal obligations of manufacturers to ensure that the products are safe for consumers.”
‘ There was probably a month when the patient had difficulty walking.’
Nick Mann.
The TGA issued two safety alerts about B6 supplements and the risk of peripheral neuropathy in 2020 and 2022.
It mandated that manufacturers include a boxed warning on products containing more than 10mg daily of vitamin B6( pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine).
However, it maintained the maximum approved daily dose at 200mg.
As of May, the TGA said it had received 166 adverse event reports of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy, small fibre neuropathy, or chronic polyneuropathy in patients who had taken B6 supplements, but it stressed these were not confirmed as cause-and-effect.
Mr Mann said a lower maximum daily dose or a decision to make B6 supplements pharmacist-only could have protected patients.
“ The EU has for years heavily regulated the amount of B6 in supplements at much lower levels than permitted in Australia,” he said. In its response to the threatened class action, Blackmores said:“ We are committed to the highest standards of product quality and consumer safety.
“ All our products, including those containing vitamin B6, are developed in strict accordance with the regulatory requirements of the TGA.
“ This includes compliance with maximum permitted daily doses and the inclusion of mandated warning statements.”
This year, retired emergency doctor Dr Mary Buchanan shared her experience of peripheral neuropathy after taking a magnesium supplement for genetic restless leg syndrome, unaware that it contained vitamin B6.
Amid deteriorating leg strength and weakness, a neurologist ultimately diagnosed her with peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin B6 toxicity.
Her levels were seven times higher than normal.
“ The weakness continued so much so that I was having trouble going [ up ] and down stairs, and I could hardly walk 100 metres,” the 76-year-old told the ABC’ s 7.30.
Our Medical Kellyville helped me establish my practice efficiently, building a loyal patient base within weeks. As a female doctor, I can prioritise patient care while balancing family responsibilities. DR JEEVITHA RAJAGOPAL General Practitioner, Our Medical Kellyville
Do you want MORE as a General Practitioner?
More diversity in clinical practice? More impact on patient health? More billings for the same hours?
You can do this by practising quality medicine with Cornerstone Health. Our exceptional healthcare model is proven to deliver more for General Practitioners in our network.
Discover a more rewarding way to practise quality medicine.
Phone 0499 021 775 or scan the QR code to visit cornerstonehealth. com. au / earn-more