Are Your Multivitamins Causing Mysterious Pain? See What This Pathology Test Revealed About One Man's Suffering
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In the quest for better health and vitality, many of us turn to multivitamins and supplements as a way to supplement our diets and ensure we're getting the necessary nutrients. But what if the very products we trust to boost our well-being are actually causing harm? This was the shocking discovery for Simon Bogemann, a 43-year-old from Geelong, whose experience serves as a cautionary tale for all of us, especially those in the over-60s bracket who are often more vigilant about their health.
Simon's ordeal began with cramps and a claw-like grip on his steering wheel during his daily commute, accompanied by persistent pins and needles in his hands and feet. These symptoms, which occurred nightly and during work breaks, prompted a visit to his GP, who suggested a magnesium supplement to add to his existing multivitamin regimen for a chronic condition. Unbeknownst to Simon, both supplements contained vitamin B6, an excess of which can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage characterized by the very symptoms he was experiencing.
A pathology test recommended by his dietician revealed that Simon's B6 levels were a staggering 36 times higher than the recommended range. This is a concerning statistic, particularly for seniors who are more likely to take multiple supplements. The wellness industry's aggressive marketing of over-the-counter vitamins has led to a spike in peripheral neuropathy cases linked to excessive vitamin B6 intake, as reported by Australia's peak body for pathologists.
Dr. David Kanowski, a chemical pathologist, points out that most people are unaware of the potential risks of consuming too much vitamin B6. This vitamin is not only present in multivitamins but also in energy drinks, breakfast cereals, and protein shakes. Even magnesium tablets, often taken for cramp relief, can contain B6 to aid magnesium absorption. However, taking just two of these tablets daily could result in consuming over 120mg of B6, far exceeding the adult recommended dietary intake of 1.3mg to 2mg a day in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps to address this issue, including releasing a safety advisory warning in 2020 and lowering the limit for B6 warning labels from 50mg to 10mg. Despite these efforts, cases of peripheral neuropathy continue to rise, with 81 adverse event reports received by the TGA between January 2020 and October 2024, most of which were reported in the last two years.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the TGA has been relatively lenient unless toxins are present in a product. Furthermore, consumers are not expected to decipher 'tiny font' disclaimers and formulations, as noted by Victoria-based dietitian Fiona Sammut. The allure of vitamins that promise to 'boost energy' can lead people to take multiple supplements, thinking they are harmless.
For seniors, this issue is particularly relevant. As we age, our bodies change, and so do our nutritional needs. While it's true that certain vitamins and minerals become more important, it's also true that our bodies may not handle excesses as well as they once did. It's crucial to remember that most people get sufficient B6 from their diet, with foods like fish, non-citrus fruits, and starchy vegetables being rich sources. High intakes of B6 from natural food sources have not been reported to cause adverse effects, unlike synthetic supplements.
The story of Sarah, another individual who suffered from peripheral neuropathy for years, underscores the importance of regular monitoring and appropriate testing. After weight loss surgery, she began taking a multivitamin with 60mg of B6, in addition to magnesium supplements containing 82mg of B6. It wasn't until her B6 levels were tested that she discovered they were 15 times higher than recommended.
Recovery from peripheral neuropathy can take six to 12 months once B6 levels normalize, but in severe cases, the damage can be irreversible. Prof Matthew Kiernan, the chief executive of Neuroscience Australia, suggests that there should be limits on the number of supplements people can buy, as they are often unnecessary for those eating a balanced diet.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from the potential dangers of over-supplementation? Here are some tips:
1. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you're already taking other medications or supplements.
2. Read labels carefully and be aware of the cumulative amount of vitamins and minerals you're consuming if you take multiple supplements.
3. Opt for a diet rich in a variety of nutrients to minimize the need for supplements.
4. Get regular blood tests to monitor your vitamin and mineral levels, particularly if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms.
5. Be sceptical of marketing claims and remember that more is not always better when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
Members, have you experienced any health issues that you later discovered were linked to your supplements? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's raise awareness about the importance of informed supplementation. Your experience could help others avoid similar pitfalls and maintain their health safely.
Simon's ordeal began with cramps and a claw-like grip on his steering wheel during his daily commute, accompanied by persistent pins and needles in his hands and feet. These symptoms, which occurred nightly and during work breaks, prompted a visit to his GP, who suggested a magnesium supplement to add to his existing multivitamin regimen for a chronic condition. Unbeknownst to Simon, both supplements contained vitamin B6, an excess of which can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage characterized by the very symptoms he was experiencing.
Simon was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy as a result of excessive vitamin B6 intake. Credit: Alexander Grey / Unsplash
A pathology test recommended by his dietician revealed that Simon's B6 levels were a staggering 36 times higher than the recommended range. This is a concerning statistic, particularly for seniors who are more likely to take multiple supplements. The wellness industry's aggressive marketing of over-the-counter vitamins has led to a spike in peripheral neuropathy cases linked to excessive vitamin B6 intake, as reported by Australia's peak body for pathologists.
Dr. David Kanowski, a chemical pathologist, points out that most people are unaware of the potential risks of consuming too much vitamin B6. This vitamin is not only present in multivitamins but also in energy drinks, breakfast cereals, and protein shakes. Even magnesium tablets, often taken for cramp relief, can contain B6 to aid magnesium absorption. However, taking just two of these tablets daily could result in consuming over 120mg of B6, far exceeding the adult recommended dietary intake of 1.3mg to 2mg a day in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps to address this issue, including releasing a safety advisory warning in 2020 and lowering the limit for B6 warning labels from 50mg to 10mg. Despite these efforts, cases of peripheral neuropathy continue to rise, with 81 adverse event reports received by the TGA between January 2020 and October 2024, most of which were reported in the last two years.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the TGA has been relatively lenient unless toxins are present in a product. Furthermore, consumers are not expected to decipher 'tiny font' disclaimers and formulations, as noted by Victoria-based dietitian Fiona Sammut. The allure of vitamins that promise to 'boost energy' can lead people to take multiple supplements, thinking they are harmless.
For seniors, this issue is particularly relevant. As we age, our bodies change, and so do our nutritional needs. While it's true that certain vitamins and minerals become more important, it's also true that our bodies may not handle excesses as well as they once did. It's crucial to remember that most people get sufficient B6 from their diet, with foods like fish, non-citrus fruits, and starchy vegetables being rich sources. High intakes of B6 from natural food sources have not been reported to cause adverse effects, unlike synthetic supplements.
The story of Sarah, another individual who suffered from peripheral neuropathy for years, underscores the importance of regular monitoring and appropriate testing. After weight loss surgery, she began taking a multivitamin with 60mg of B6, in addition to magnesium supplements containing 82mg of B6. It wasn't until her B6 levels were tested that she discovered they were 15 times higher than recommended.
Recovery from peripheral neuropathy can take six to 12 months once B6 levels normalize, but in severe cases, the damage can be irreversible. Prof Matthew Kiernan, the chief executive of Neuroscience Australia, suggests that there should be limits on the number of supplements people can buy, as they are often unnecessary for those eating a balanced diet.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from the potential dangers of over-supplementation? Here are some tips:
1. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you're already taking other medications or supplements.
2. Read labels carefully and be aware of the cumulative amount of vitamins and minerals you're consuming if you take multiple supplements.
3. Opt for a diet rich in a variety of nutrients to minimize the need for supplements.
4. Get regular blood tests to monitor your vitamin and mineral levels, particularly if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms.
5. Be sceptical of marketing claims and remember that more is not always better when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
Members, have you experienced any health issues that you later discovered were linked to your supplements? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's raise awareness about the importance of informed supplementation. Your experience could help others avoid similar pitfalls and maintain their health safely.
