Answers › Vitamin B6 rules in Australia: what changes on 1 June 2027
Vitamin B6 rules in Australia: what changes on 1 June 2027
This page hasn't been reviewed by a pharmacist yet. It's general information, not medical advice.
Short answer
From 1 June 2027, oral products with more than 50 mg and up to 200 mg of vitamin B6 per recommended daily dose become Pharmacist Only medicines (Schedule 3). Products with 50 mg or less stay on general sale, and products above 200 mg still need a prescription. The TGA made the change because long-term high intake of vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), and a risk cannot be excluded below 50 mg/day.
The three dose bands
According to the TGA: 50 mg or less per recommended daily dose stays available for general retail sale; more than 50 mg but not more than 200 mg is available over the counter with a pharmacist's advice; more than 200 mg continues to require a prescription. [1] The decision confirms a new Schedule 3 entry in the Poisons Standard. [3]
When it starts
The changes take effect on 1 June 2027, which the TGA says gives industry and pharmacies time to update labels and stock. [2] The TGA's Poisons Standard page lists vitamin B6 under the 1 June 2027 implementation date. [4]
Why the TGA acted
The TGA says vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy; the risk is greatest at higher intakes but cannot be excluded below 50 mg/day. It also notes B6 is hard to track because it appears in many products and is labelled in different ways. [1] NIH ODS describes sensory neuropathy with long-term high-dose pyridoxine. [6]
Names to look for on labels
Vitamin B6 may be listed as pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine (and as P5P / pyridoxal-5-phosphate). The TGA advises checking the label of any vitamin or supplement product for B6. [2]
How this compares with the nutrient upper limit
The Australian/NZ adult upper level of intake for vitamin B6 is 50 mg/day as pyridoxine. [5] The TGA says the average adult requirement is 1.1–1.3 mg/day. [2]
If you notice symptoms
The TGA advises that if you experience tingling, burning or numbness in your hands or feet, stop taking the product and seek medical advice as soon as possible. [2]
FAQ
Is vitamin B6 being banned in Australia?
No. Lower-dose products (50 mg or less per daily dose) stay on general sale. Products above 50 mg up to 200 mg move behind the pharmacy counter from 1 June 2027, and above 200 mg still needs a prescription.
Does the 50 mg limit apply per product or in total?
The scheduling bands apply to each product's recommended daily dose. Your total intake can still add up across a multivitamin, magnesium blend and B complex, which is why the TGA asks people to check labels.
Related
- Is it safe to take magnesium and zinc together?
- How much magnesium is too much? The Australian upper limit
- Every source the Checker uses
Sources
- TGA safety update: Medicines containing vitamin B6 (7 Apr 2026)
- TGA media release: Stronger safety controls to be introduced for products containing vitamin B6
- TGA: Notice of final decision to amend the Poisons Standard, vitamin B6 (Nov 2025)
- TGA: The Poisons Standard (SUSMP), future implementation dates
- NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values: Vitamin B6
- NIH ODS: Vitamin B6 fact sheet for health professionals
Sources checked 2026-10-18. Last updated 2026-10-18.