Australia: In a case that could reshape Australia’s over-the-counter supplement industry, a young Melbourne father has emerged as the proposed lead plaintiff in a class action against the renowned health brand Blackmores. The action is being spearheaded by Polaris Lawyers and concerns what they describe as toxic levels of vitamin B6 found in some of the company’s products levels that may have caused devastating neurological injuries to numerous Australians.
Who Is Affected and Why It Matters
Dominic Noonan-O’Keeffe, a healthy and active individual in his early 30s, began taking Blackmores magnesium supplements in May 2023, as part of his plan to optimise health in anticipation of fatherhood. Within three months, his health began to decline rapidly. What started as fatigue and migraines soon escalated into debilitating neurological symptoms muscle spasms, hypersensitivity, heart palpitations, and a frightening loss of bodily sensation.
Medical investigations confirmed a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage linked to excessive vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) intake. According to his legal team, the supplement he consumed contained 29 times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6.
“Dominic was left unable to concentrate, struggling to sleep, constantly in pain and even at times found it difficult walking,” Polaris Lawyers reported in their public statement. His case has now become the catalyst for a potential class action lawsuit against Blackmores a leading brand trusted by millions.
How Safe Are Over-the-Counter Supplements?
While vitamin B6 is essential to the body’s neurological, immune, and metabolic functions, excessive intake can be harmful. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's medicines regulator, has long acknowledged the potential for toxicity, especially when consumed in doses over 50mg daily for extended periods. Yet, some products sold as dietary or mineral supplements continue to contain levels exceeding those thresholds.
In 2022, the TGA released an alert stating that many patients were “unaware they had consumed vitamin B6” since it was listed within other supplements like magnesium blends, often without an obvious warning label. This led the TGA to introduce stronger labelling requirements for products containing over 10mg of vitamin B6 per day and to propose reclassification of doses exceeding 50mg as “Pharmacist Only Medicines.”
Reported Side Effects of B6 Toxicity:
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Muscle spasms and weakness
- Burning or tingling in limbs
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Visual changes
- Mood disturbances and insomnia
The TGA noted that 174 reports of nerve damage potentially linked to B6 supplements had been filed as of June 2025. However, due to under-reporting and misdiagnosis, the actual number may be significantly higher.
The Legal Perspective: What the Class Action Means
Nick Mann, principal of Polaris Lawyers, has stated that hundreds of people have come forward with similar symptoms after taking vitamin B6 through over-the-counter supplements. He believes the current regulatory framework, while improved, does not go far enough to protect consumers.
“Dominic’s case is tragic, but he is not alone,” said Mann. “It’s alarming to walk down the vitamin aisle of any chemist in Australia and see supplements containing B6 at levels well above safe daily intake.”
The firm is now compiling a list of affected individuals for a formal class action lawsuit, which could have wide-ranging implications for how supplements are labelled, sold, and regulated across the country.
The case may also trigger investigations into how health supplement companies calculate safe dosage levels, especially when consumers may unknowingly ingest B6 from multiple sources simultaneously — multivitamins, magnesium blends, protein powders, and more.
The Science Behind Vitamin B6 Toxicity
Vitamin B6 is naturally found in foods like poultry, fish, bananas, and whole grains. It plays a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis and immune regulation. However, in synthetic form — often used in supplements — excessive intake can cause nerve cells to degenerate, especially in sensitive individuals.
A 2021 European literature review cited by the TGA showed that even doses under 50mg/day can cause irreversible nerve damage in susceptible people. This debunks the previous medical assumption that only doses above 200mg/day over long periods were dangerous.
As noted by the TGA, “there are large inter-individual differences in sensitivity to vitamin B6 toxicity.” Factors like age, metabolism, liver function, and pre-existing conditions may increase risk.
Blackmores Responds
In a statement provided to 7NEWS, Blackmores said all their products are developed in strict accordance with TGA regulations:
“This includes compliance with maximum permitted daily doses and the inclusion of mandated warning statements. We acknowledge the interim decision issued by the TGA, and we will ensure full compliance with its final determination.”
The company did not comment directly on Noonan-O’Keeffe’s case or the broader class action. Consumer safety advocates say the lack of transparency and clarity in supplement labelling remains a concern.
Calls for Policy Reform and Public Awareness
The growing number of reported cases has reignited the debate around supplement regulation in Australia. Consumer health experts are urging the government to do more:
- Introduce mandatory B6 warnings for all supplements above 5mg
- Require cumulative B6 intake tracking across all registered products
- Mandate pharmacist consultation for B6 products over 10mg
- Improve public awareness through national campaigns
Meanwhile, the class action may provide a legal pathway for compensation for individuals whose health has been compromised by what they believed were safe supplements.
Are You Affected?
Polaris Lawyers are inviting individuals who experienced unexplained neurological symptoms while taking over-the-counter supplements to get in touch. Potential symptoms may include numbness, burning sensations, weakness, headaches, and fatigue.