Australian Woman Issues Warning After Supplements Cause Severe Neuropathy
A Sydney woman living with multiple sclerosis has issued a stark warning to Australians about supplement safety, claiming that popular pharmacy brands triggered severe neurological damage. Jessica Amir alleges that taking Blackmores Mega B Complex alongside Swisse's Zinc+ and Hair, Skin & Nails supplements dramatically worsened her health, leading to debilitating symptoms.
From Marathon Training to Mobility Struggles
Ms Amir, who began experiencing health issues eight years ago, noticed a dramatic decline in her condition while taking these supplements together. 'I've been severely unwell since February 2025,' she explained. 'I went from training for an 80 kilometre run to struggling to walk two metres. I lost the ability to write my own name and couldn't work for five months.'
Her symptoms included:
- Slurred speech and blurred vision
- Weakness, numbness, and burning sensations in limbs
- Constant head pressure and balance problems
- Difficulty with coordination and walking
'These three supplements were sold and recommended by Australian pharmacies to "support" my "health",' Ms Amir stated. 'My doctor told me to stop taking the vitamins immediately after looking at my blood test results. He said they were probably making my symptoms worse.'
Vitamin B6 Content Far Exceeds Recommendations
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B6 for adults ranges from 1.1mg to 1.3mg. However, Swisse's Zinc+ contains 30mg of B6, while Blackmores Mega B Complex contains 50mg - representing massive overdoses compared to nutritional guidelines.
Ms Amir has now joined a class action investigation against Blackmores, with personal injury law firm Polaris Lawyers representing individuals who claim to have suffered injuries after taking their supplements. The claimants allege harm from B6 supplements, both exclusively and in combination with other products.
Second Case Highlights Widespread Concerns
Another concerning case involves Dominic Noonan-O'Keeffe, a 33-year-old Melbourne man who began taking Blackmores Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+ in May 2024. He soon developed symptoms associated with vitamin B6 overexposure, including fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, and visual disturbances.
'I stopped all of my supplements straight away, got a blood test, and within a week, I had a diagnosis of B6 toxicity,' Mr Noonan-O'Keeffe told the Sydney Morning Herald. He discovered the Magnesium+ supplement contained approximately 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.
The Frankston resident continues to experience numbness in his fingers, nerve pain in his neck, and reduced cognitive ability. 'I'm hoping I'm at the tail end of a big flare-up, and this is the start of recovery, even though we know the recovery prospects are pretty unknown,' he said.
Regulatory Response and Health Authority Warnings
According to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, a known side effect of B6 is peripheral neuropathy - characterized by tingling, burning, or numbness, usually in the hands or feet. This typically occurs at high doses or following long-term use of B6-containing products.
Health Direct reports that most people do not need B6 supplements and can obtain sufficient amounts from food sources including:
- Meat, dairy products, and eggs
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Bananas and potatoes
In June 2025, the TGA announced it would consider requiring supplements containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 to be stored behind pharmacy counters, though such changes wouldn't take effect until February 2027.
Vitamin B6 remains a vital nutrient important for metabolism, brain function, and hormonal balance. However, toxicity can occur even at recommended doses, as individuals process this vitamin at different rates. The recommended daily amounts vary by age and gender, with adult women under 50 advised to take 1.1 to 1.3 mg daily, and men over 50 recommended 1.4 to 1.7 mg daily.
Both Blackmores and Swisse supplement products are stocked in all major Australian pharmacies. Daily Mail has contacted both companies for comment regarding these allegations.
