Latest news with #AlexandraJones
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Fears Vitamin B6 levels in energy drinks linked to rise in blood toxicity
By Tom Hartley of ABC Energy drinks like these can contain high levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Concerns are mounting in Australia over an ingredient in energy drinks that has been linked to a growing number of life-altering blood toxicity cases. Vitamin B6 is considered an essential vitamin and is widely available in a balanced diet, with a recommended daily intake of just 1.3mg - 1.7mg per day for adults. But debilitating health problems can occur when a manufactured form of B6 - also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal - is consumed in excess. A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 5 milligrams of Vitamin B6, a 500ml can of Mother 4.3 milligrams per serve and a 500ml can of BSC Energy 10mg. "There's no good reason why energy drinks need to have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them," Australia's George Institute food policy researcher, Associate Professor Alexandra Jones told ABC's 7.30 . Dr Alexandra Jones says there is no reason for such high levels of Vitamin B6 as there are in some energy drinks. Photo: ABC News / Craig Hansen "And while it's unlikely that you would exceed the upper limit by drinking energy drinks alone, there is a subset of the population that are likely to be simultaneously consuming energy drinks and other supplements which could also contain high levels of B6," she said. B6 is added to thousands of vitamin supplements and fortified food products - from magnesium and zinc to breakfast cereals and protein bars. Blood test data obtained by 7.30 from Australian pathology labs Sullivan Nicolaides has revealed more than 2700 'probable' cases of neuropathy or other health issues attributed to B6 blood toxicity have occurred since January this year. "Typical consumption patterns mean people are getting much higher doses, not just from the individual products but multiple products," Dr Terri-Lynne South, a dietitian and GP said. Dr Terri-Lynne South is an advocate for greater warnings about levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Dr South is one of several health practitioners advocating for tighter regulations - as more cases of B6 toxicity emerge. "For the energy drinks containing 10mg of B6 - if they were vitamin supplements - they'd have to show a warning on the label," Dr South told 7.30 . "There's only one reason to have a supplement for B6 - and that's if there is proven deficiency or risk of deficiency." The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards agency (FSANZ) set the limit for B6 in energy drinks at 10mg per day, around the time Red Bull entered the Australian market. "Formulated caffeinated beverages must carry an advisory statement that no more than a 'one-day quantity' should be consumed if they contain certain substances, including vitamin B6," a spokesperson told 7.30 . Last month the country's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), made several recommendations. It called for vitamin supplements with more than 50mg of B6 to be taken off shelves and moved behind pharmacy counters. Supplements take up major space in pharmacies. Photo: ABC News / Jerry Rickard A TGA delegate last month wrote that FSANZ should consider the "appropriateness of the 10 mg limit for vitamin B6 in formulated caffeinated beverages, considering the risks from the use of multiple products containing Vitamin B6". The same delegate also described the benefits of synthetic B6 as 'negligible', said labelling is 'inconsistent' and 'confusing' and called on the multi-billion-dollar complementary medicines sector to initiate education campaigns. A spokesperson for FSANZ said: "If evidence emerges that consumers are regularly exceeding safe intake levels, FSANZ would consider raising a proposal to review the current permissions." FSANZ did not answer questions regarding how it monitors such evidence. Jones said the agency typically prioritises cases where the adverse effects are immediate, not cumulative. "They're very focused on the immediate health risks of a product, so whether it would make you sick overnight, for example," she said. B6 levels in food and drink could become an issue for the food standards body. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang "But the energy drinks market has changed quite a lot since the first products emerged, and our consumption of them is growing, so if new health risks are emerging, it would be reasonable for FSANZ to review that standard." Geoff Parker, the chief executive of the Australian Beverages Council issued a statement on behalf of Australia's energy drinks companies. He didn't answer 7.30' s questions and instead compared his sector's products against complementary medicines. "Laws regulating energy drinks in Australia are among the most stringent in the world," he told 7.30 . "Some popular multivitamin supplements contain about 25 mg of B6 - at least five times the average B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia. "The ... upper level of safe intake [is] 50 mg a day for adults. The average level of B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia is approximately 2.1mg for a 250ml serve." The regulations however don't prevent unprecedented or unlikely cases. Matthew was taking Berooca daily and his use resulted in peripheral neuropathy. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Matthew* began taking Berocca daily last August after a colleague recommended it for an afternoon energy boost. The 56-year-old has a prominent public profile and asked 7.30 not to use his real name. "I work in a high-pressure environment ... by mid-afternoon, the energy levels start to wane ... one of my colleagues was having a Berocca - he said 'it gives you a boost', so I tried it, and it turned into a habit." What started as a daily pick-me-up soon escalated - at times, he was having two Beroccas in one drink. Then came the symptoms. "I felt a tingle - some pins and needles - in my left hand, it moved up my arm, then to my right hand, then into my legs, there were terrible burning sensations." Concerned about stroke or heart problems, he underwent tests for blood cancer and multiple sclerosis. His doctor eventually suggested a neurologist. "I was at work and my whole body would be burning inside - pins and needles - but with this burning sensation in my limbs." "I was poisoning myself while [I was] trying to work out how I've poisoned myself." Still, he continued taking Berocca but concedes he was likely taking too much of the product. Supplements with high levels of B6 in them have caused cases of B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News / Tom Hartley After months of suffering came the call from his GP. "He said 'you have to stop taking vitamin supplements'… I said, 'what are you talking about? I've never taken vitamins' And he said 'it's Vitamin B6'." Tests revealed Matthew had nearly three times the toxic level of B6 in his bloodstream. He stopped taking Berocca immediately. And while his symptoms improved within weeks, some burning sensations remain. "I haven't had any peripheral neuropathy for a month," he said. The mental toll though has been severe. "This has rocked my world, mentally … how could I be this f***ing stupid? … I never in the life of me thought it was dangerous … I just thought you'd urinate it out. "I am so careful about the food that I put in my mouth, the restrictions I have on drinking, the fact I exercise religiously. "I've never had serious mental issues - I'm a glass-half-full person - I don't think I've got a propensity towards depression or anything like that. "But I certainly was depressed about this - this has rocked my world, mentally." There are no warnings on Berocca packaging. Instead, it claims to improve physical energy "when consumed daily for 28 days". Berocca's parent company, pharmaceutical giant Bayer, said it is "committed to consumer safety and regulatory compliance". "All our over-the-counter products ... comply fully with TGA labelling requirements, including ingredient disclosure, dosage, and safety warnings. We will continue to abide by TGA rules and requirements." In 2020 Monique's blood became toxic after consuming protein shakes and multivitamins, she never realised the combined B6 levels were extreme. Monique has battled issues with B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News "It took about a year to be diagnosed," the 35-year-old told 7.30 . "The worst state that I was in was being bed-bound for about six months, once the vestibular migraine started and I lost my balance completely." Monique believes during her recovery her symptoms were exacerbated when unwittingly consuming small amounts of B6 in a fortified drink. "I was doing really well, I was exercising again, and carefully checking everything I was eating, but after nine months of improvement I became complacent - I didn't think to check the back of the label," she said. Monique could not provide evidence concluding the fortified drink was a causal factor. Dr South believes much of the marketing around B6 is misleading. "Most of these products, promoting B-vitamins, are marketed as 'energy-giving', and that comes from the understanding that a lot of these vitamins are co-factors of generating energy in cells," she told 7.30 . "We're starting to see it in multivitamin minerals from the chemist, but we need better regulations in these higher food products, especially energy drinks. "This increases the impetus for regulators like Food Standards Australian New Zealand the Therapeutic Goods Administration to coordinate together, because it's about the cumulative risks of this amount of B6 being in our food supply. "People are inadvertently overdosing and now we're starting to see the consequences." - ABC
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Fears Vitamin B6 levels in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster could contribute to rise in B6 toxicity cases
By Tom Hartley Energy drinks like these can contain high levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Concerns are mounting over an ingredient in energy drinks that has been linked to a growing number of life-altering blood toxicity cases. Vitamin B6 is considered an essential vitamin and is widely available in a balanced diet, with a recommended daily intake of just 1.3mg - 1.7mg per day for adults. But debilitating health problems can occur when a manufactured form of B6 - also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal - is consumed in excess. A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 5 milligrams of Vitamin B6, a 500ml can of Mother 4.3 milligrams per serve and a 500ml can of BSC Energy 10mg. "There's no good reason why energy drinks need to have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them," George Institute food policy researcher, Associate Professor Alexandra Jones told 7.30 . Dr Alexandra Jones says there is no reason for such high levels of Vitamin B6 as there are in some energy drinks. Photo: ABC News / Craig Hansen "And while it's unlikely that you would exceed the upper limit by drinking energy drinks alone, there is a subset of the population that are likely to be simultaneously consuming energy drinks and other supplements which could also contain high levels of B6," she said. B6 is added to thousands of vitamin supplements and fortified food products - from magnesium and zinc to breakfast cereals and protein bars. Blood test data obtained by 7.30 from Australian pathology labs Sullivan Nicolaides has revealed more than 2700 'probable' cases of neuropathy or other health issues attributed to B6 blood toxicity have occurred since January this year. "Typical consumption patterns mean people are getting much higher doses, not just from the individual products but multiple products," Dr Terri-Lynne South, a dietitian and GP said. Dr Terri-Lynne South is an advocate for greater warnings about levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Dr South is one of several health practitioners advocating for tighter regulations - as more cases of B6 toxicity emerge. "For the energy drinks containing 10mg of B6 - if they were vitamin supplements - they'd have to show a warning on the label," Dr South told 7.30 . "There's only one reason to have a supplement for B6 - and that's if there is proven deficiency or risk of deficiency." The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards agency (FSANZ) set the limit for B6 in energy drinks at 10mg per day, around the time Red Bull entered the Australian market. "Formulated caffeinated beverages must carry an advisory statement that no more than a 'one-day quantity' should be consumed if they contain certain substances, including vitamin B6," a spokesperson told 7.30 . Last month the country's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), made several recommendations. It called for vitamin supplements with more than 50mg of B6 to be taken off shelves and moved behind pharmacy counters. Supplements take up major space in pharmacies. Photo: ABC News / Jerry Rickard A TGA delegate last month wrote that FSANZ should consider the "appropriateness of the 10 mg limit for vitamin B6 in formulated caffeinated beverages, considering the risks from the use of multiple products containing Vitamin B6". The same delegate also described the benefits of synthetic B6 as 'negligible', said labelling is 'inconsistent' and 'confusing' and called on the multi-billion-dollar complementary medicines sector to initiate education campaigns. A spokesperson for FSANZ said: "If evidence emerges that consumers are regularly exceeding safe intake levels, FSANZ would consider raising a proposal to review the current permissions." FSANZ did not answer questions regarding how it monitors such evidence. Jones said the agency typically prioritises cases where the adverse effects are immediate, not cumulative. "They're very focused on the immediate health risks of a product, so whether it would make you sick overnight, for example," she said. B6 levels in food and drink could become an issue for the food standards body. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang "But the energy drinks market has changed quite a lot since the first products emerged, and our consumption of them is growing, so if new health risks are emerging, it would be reasonable for FSANZ to review that standard." Geoff Parker, the chief executive of the Australian Beverages Council issued a statement on behalf of Australia's energy drinks companies. He didn't answer 7.30' s questions and instead compared his sector's products against complementary medicines. "Laws regulating energy drinks in Australia are among the most stringent in the world," he told 7.30 . "Some popular multivitamin supplements contain about 25 mg of B6 - at least five times the average B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia. "The ... upper level of safe intake [is] 50 mg a day for adults. The average level of B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia is approximately 2.1mg for a 250ml serve." The regulations however don't prevent unprecedented or unlikely cases. Matthew was taking Berooca daily and his use resulted in peripheral neuropathy. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Matthew* began taking Berocca daily last August after a colleague recommended it for an afternoon energy boost. The 56-year-old has a prominent public profile and asked 7.30 not to use his real name. "I work in a high-pressure environment ... by mid-afternoon, the energy levels start to wane ... one of my colleagues was having a Berocca - he said 'it gives you a boost', so I tried it, and it turned into a habit." What started as a daily pick-me-up soon escalated - at times, he was having two Beroccas in one drink. Then came the symptoms. "I felt a tingle - some pins and needles - in my left hand, it moved up my arm, then to my right hand, then into my legs, there were terrible burning sensations." Concerned about stroke or heart problems, he underwent tests for blood cancer and multiple sclerosis. His doctor eventually suggested a neurologist. "I was at work and my whole body would be burning inside - pins and needles - but with this burning sensation in my limbs." "I was poisoning myself while [I was] trying to work out how I've poisoned myself." Still, he continued taking Berocca but concedes he was likely taking too much of the product. Supplements with high levels of B6 in them have caused cases of B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News / Tom Hartley After months of suffering came the call from his GP. "He said 'you have to stop taking vitamin supplements'… I said, 'what are you talking about? I've never taken vitamins' And he said 'it's Vitamin B6'." Tests revealed Matthew had nearly three times the toxic level of B6 in his bloodstream. He stopped taking Berocca immediately. And while his symptoms improved within weeks, some burning sensations remain. "I haven't had any peripheral neuropathy for a month," he said. The mental toll though has been severe. "This has rocked my world, mentally … how could I be this f***ing stupid? … I never in the life of me thought it was dangerous … I just thought you'd urinate it out. "I am so careful about the food that I put in my mouth, the restrictions I have on drinking, the fact I exercise religiously. "I've never had serious mental issues - I'm a glass-half-full person - I don't think I've got a propensity towards depression or anything like that. "But I certainly was depressed about this - this has rocked my world, mentally." There are no warnings on Berocca packaging. Instead, it claims to improve physical energy "when consumed daily for 28 days". Berocca's parent company, pharmaceutical giant Bayer, said it is "committed to consumer safety and regulatory compliance". "All our over-the-counter products ... comply fully with TGA labelling requirements, including ingredient disclosure, dosage, and safety warnings. We will continue to abide by TGA rules and requirements." In 2020 Monique's blood became toxic after consuming protein shakes and multivitamins, she never realised the combined B6 levels were extreme. Monique has battled issues with B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News "It took about a year to be diagnosed," the 35-year-old told 7.30 . "The worst state that I was in was being bed-bound for about six months, once the vestibular migraine started and I lost my balance completely." Monique believes during her recovery her symptoms were exacerbated when unwittingly consuming small amounts of B6 in a fortified drink. "I was doing really well, I was exercising again, and carefully checking everything I was eating, but after nine months of improvement I became complacent - I didn't think to check the back of the label," she said. Monique could not provide evidence concluding the fortified drink was a causal factor. Dr South believes much of the marketing around B6 is misleading. "Most of these products, promoting B-vitamins, are marketed as 'energy-giving', and that comes from the understanding that a lot of these vitamins are co-factors of generating energy in cells," she told 7.30 . "We're starting to see it in multivitamin minerals from the chemist, but we need better regulations in these higher food products, especially energy drinks. "This increases the impetus for regulators like Food Standards Australian New Zealand the Therapeutic Goods Administration to coordinate together, because it's about the cumulative risks of this amount of B6 being in our food supply. "People are inadvertently overdosing and now we're starting to see the consequences." - ABC
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Fears Vitamin B6 levels in energy drinks could contribute to rise in toxicity cases
By Tom Hartley of ABC Energy drinks like these can contain high levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Concerns are mounting over an ingredient in energy drinks that has been linked to a growing number of life-altering blood toxicity cases. Vitamin B6 is considered an essential vitamin and is widely available in a balanced diet, with a recommended daily intake of just 1.3mg - 1.7mg per day for adults. But debilitating health problems can occur when a manufactured form of B6 - also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal - is consumed in excess. A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 5 milligrams of Vitamin B6, a 500ml can of Mother 4.3 milligrams per serve and a 500ml can of BSC Energy 10mg. "There's no good reason why energy drinks need to have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them," George Institute food policy researcher, Associate Professor Alexandra Jones told 7.30 . Dr Alexandra Jones says there is no reason for such high levels of Vitamin B6 as there are in some energy drinks. Photo: ABC News / Craig Hansen "And while it's unlikely that you would exceed the upper limit by drinking energy drinks alone, there is a subset of the population that are likely to be simultaneously consuming energy drinks and other supplements which could also contain high levels of B6," she said. B6 is added to thousands of vitamin supplements and fortified food products - from magnesium and zinc to breakfast cereals and protein bars. Blood test data obtained by 7.30 from Australian pathology labs Sullivan Nicolaides has revealed more than 2700 'probable' cases of neuropathy or other health issues attributed to B6 blood toxicity have occurred since January this year. "Typical consumption patterns mean people are getting much higher doses, not just from the individual products but multiple products," Dr Terri-Lynne South, a dietitian and GP said. Dr Terri-Lynne South is an advocate for greater warnings about levels of Vitamin B6. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Dr South is one of several health practitioners advocating for tighter regulations - as more cases of B6 toxicity emerge. "For the energy drinks containing 10mg of B6 - if they were vitamin supplements - they'd have to show a warning on the label," Dr South told 7.30 . "There's only one reason to have a supplement for B6 - and that's if there is proven deficiency or risk of deficiency." The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards agency (FSANZ) set the limit for B6 in energy drinks at 10mg per day, around the time Red Bull entered the Australian market. "Formulated caffeinated beverages must carry an advisory statement that no more than a 'one-day quantity' should be consumed if they contain certain substances, including vitamin B6," a spokesperson told 7.30 . Last month the country's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), made several recommendations. It called for vitamin supplements with more than 50mg of B6 to be taken off shelves and moved behind pharmacy counters. Supplements take up major space in pharmacies. Photo: ABC News / Jerry Rickard A TGA delegate last month wrote that FSANZ should consider the "appropriateness of the 10 mg limit for vitamin B6 in formulated caffeinated beverages, considering the risks from the use of multiple products containing Vitamin B6". The same delegate also described the benefits of synthetic B6 as 'negligible', said labelling is 'inconsistent' and 'confusing' and called on the multi-billion-dollar complementary medicines sector to initiate education campaigns. A spokesperson for FSANZ said: "If evidence emerges that consumers are regularly exceeding safe intake levels, FSANZ would consider raising a proposal to review the current permissions." FSANZ did not answer questions regarding how it monitors such evidence. Jones said the agency typically prioritises cases where the adverse effects are immediate, not cumulative. "They're very focused on the immediate health risks of a product, so whether it would make you sick overnight, for example," she said. B6 levels in food and drink could become an issue for the food standards body. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang "But the energy drinks market has changed quite a lot since the first products emerged, and our consumption of them is growing, so if new health risks are emerging, it would be reasonable for FSANZ to review that standard." Geoff Parker, the chief executive of the Australian Beverages Council issued a statement on behalf of Australia's energy drinks companies. He didn't answer 7.30' s questions and instead compared his sector's products against complementary medicines. "Laws regulating energy drinks in Australia are among the most stringent in the world," he told 7.30 . "Some popular multivitamin supplements contain about 25 mg of B6 - at least five times the average B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia. "The ... upper level of safe intake [is] 50 mg a day for adults. The average level of B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia is approximately 2.1mg for a 250ml serve." The regulations however don't prevent unprecedented or unlikely cases. Matthew was taking Berooca daily and his use resulted in peripheral neuropathy. Photo: ABC News / Cameron Lang Matthew* began taking Berocca daily last August after a colleague recommended it for an afternoon energy boost. The 56-year-old has a prominent public profile and asked 7.30 not to use his real name. "I work in a high-pressure environment ... by mid-afternoon, the energy levels start to wane ... one of my colleagues was having a Berocca - he said 'it gives you a boost', so I tried it, and it turned into a habit." What started as a daily pick-me-up soon escalated - at times, he was having two Beroccas in one drink. Then came the symptoms. "I felt a tingle - some pins and needles - in my left hand, it moved up my arm, then to my right hand, then into my legs, there were terrible burning sensations." Concerned about stroke or heart problems, he underwent tests for blood cancer and multiple sclerosis. His doctor eventually suggested a neurologist. "I was at work and my whole body would be burning inside - pins and needles - but with this burning sensation in my limbs." "I was poisoning myself while [I was] trying to work out how I've poisoned myself." Still, he continued taking Berocca but concedes he was likely taking too much of the product. Supplements with high levels of B6 in them have caused cases of B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News / Tom Hartley After months of suffering came the call from his GP. "He said 'you have to stop taking vitamin supplements'… I said, 'what are you talking about? I've never taken vitamins' And he said 'it's Vitamin B6'." Tests revealed Matthew had nearly three times the toxic level of B6 in his bloodstream. He stopped taking Berocca immediately. And while his symptoms improved within weeks, some burning sensations remain. "I haven't had any peripheral neuropathy for a month," he said. The mental toll though has been severe. "This has rocked my world, mentally … how could I be this f***ing stupid? … I never in the life of me thought it was dangerous … I just thought you'd urinate it out. "I am so careful about the food that I put in my mouth, the restrictions I have on drinking, the fact I exercise religiously. "I've never had serious mental issues - I'm a glass-half-full person - I don't think I've got a propensity towards depression or anything like that. "But I certainly was depressed about this - this has rocked my world, mentally." There are no warnings on Berocca packaging. Instead, it claims to improve physical energy "when consumed daily for 28 days". Berocca's parent company, pharmaceutical giant Bayer, said it is "committed to consumer safety and regulatory compliance". "All our over-the-counter products ... comply fully with TGA labelling requirements, including ingredient disclosure, dosage, and safety warnings. We will continue to abide by TGA rules and requirements." In 2020 Monique's blood became toxic after consuming protein shakes and multivitamins, she never realised the combined B6 levels were extreme. Monique has battled issues with B6 toxicity. Photo: ABC News "It took about a year to be diagnosed," the 35-year-old told 7.30 . "The worst state that I was in was being bed-bound for about six months, once the vestibular migraine started and I lost my balance completely." Monique believes during her recovery her symptoms were exacerbated when unwittingly consuming small amounts of B6 in a fortified drink. "I was doing really well, I was exercising again, and carefully checking everything I was eating, but after nine months of improvement I became complacent - I didn't think to check the back of the label," she said. Monique could not provide evidence concluding the fortified drink was a causal factor. Dr South believes much of the marketing around B6 is misleading. "Most of these products, promoting B-vitamins, are marketed as 'energy-giving', and that comes from the understanding that a lot of these vitamins are co-factors of generating energy in cells," she told 7.30 . "We're starting to see it in multivitamin minerals from the chemist, but we need better regulations in these higher food products, especially energy drinks. "This increases the impetus for regulators like Food Standards Australian New Zealand the Therapeutic Goods Administration to coordinate together, because it's about the cumulative risks of this amount of B6 being in our food supply. "People are inadvertently overdosing and now we're starting to see the consequences." - ABC
ABC News
7 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Fears Vitamin B6 levels in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster could contribute to rise in B6 toxicity cases
Concerns are mounting over an ingredient in energy drinks that has been linked to a growing number of life-altering blood toxicity cases. Vitamin B6 is considered an essential vitamin and is widely available in a balanced diet, with a recommended daily intake of just 1.3mg — 1.7mg per day for adults. But debilitating health problems can occur when a manufactured form of B6 — also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal — is consumed in excess. A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 5 milligrams of Vitamin B6, a 500ml can of Mother 4.3 milligrams per serve and a 500ml can of BSC Energy 10mg. "There's no good reason why energy drinks need to have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them," George Institute food policy researcher, Associate Professor Alexandra Jones told 730. "And while it's unlikely that you would exceed the upper limit by drinking energy drinks alone, there is a subset of the population that are likely to be simultaneously consuming energy drinks and other supplements which could also contain high levels of B6," she said. B6 is added to thousands of vitamin supplements and fortified food products — from magnesium and zinc to breakfast cereals and protein bars. Blood test data obtained by 7.30 from Australian pathology labs Sullivan Nicolaides has revealed more than 2,700 'probable' cases of neuropathy or other health issues attributed to B6 blood toxicity have occurred since January this year. "Typical consumption patterns mean people are getting much higher doses, not just from the individual products but multiple products," Dr Terri-Lynne South, a dietitian and GP said. Dr South is one of several health practitioners advocating for tighter regulations — as more cases of B6 toxicity emerge. "For the energy drinks containing 10mg of B6 — if they were vitamin supplements — they'd have to show a warning on the label," Dr South told 7.30. "There's only one reason to have a supplement for B6 — and that's if there is proven deficiency or risk of deficiency." The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards agency (FSANZ) set the limit for B6 in energy drinks at 10mg per day, around the time Red Bull entered the Australian market. "Formulated caffeinated beverages must carry an advisory statement that no more than a 'one-day quantity' should be consumed if they contain certain substances, including vitamin B6," a spokesperson told 7.30. Last month the country's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), made several recommendations It called for vitamin supplements with more than 50mg of B6 to be taken off shelves and moved behind pharmacy counters. A TGA delegate last month wrote that FSANZ should consider the "appropriateness of the 10 mg limit for vitamin B6 in formulated caffeinated beverages, considering the risks from the use of multiple products containing Vitamin B6." The same delegate also described the benefits of synthetic B6 as 'negligible', said labelling is 'inconsistent' and 'confusing' and called on the multi-billion-dollar complementary medicines sector to initiate education campaigns. A spokesperson for FSANZ said: "If evidence emerges that consumers are regularly exceeding safe intake levels, FSANZ would consider raising a proposal to review the current permissions." FSANZ did not answer questions regarding how it monitors such evidence. Ms Jones said the agency typically prioritises cases where the adverse effects are immediate, not cumulative. "They're very focused on the immediate health risks of a product, so whether it would make you sick overnight, for example," she said. Geoff Parker, the CEO of the Australian Beverages Council issued a statement on behalf of Australia's energy drinks companies. He didn't answer 7.30's questions and instead compared his sector's products against complementary medicines. "Laws regulating energy drinks in Australia are among the most stringent in the world," he told 7.30. "Some popular multivitamin supplements contain about 25 mg of B6 — at least five times the average B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia. "The ... upper level of safe intake [is] 50 mg a day for adults. The average level of B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia is approximately 2.1mg for a 250ml serve." The regulations however don't prevent unprecedented or unlikely cases. Matthew* began taking Berocca daily last August after a colleague recommended it for an afternoon energy boost. The 56-year-old has a prominent public profile and asked 7.30 not to use his real name. "I work in a high-pressure environment ... by mid-afternoon, the energy levels start to wane ... one of my colleagues was having a Berocca — he said 'it gives you a boost', so I tried it, and it turned into a habit." What started as a daily pick-me-up soon escalated — at times, he was having two Beroccas in one drink. Then came the symptoms. "I felt a tingle — some pins and needles — in my left hand, it moved up my arm, then to my right hand, then into my legs, there were terrible burning sensations." Concerned about stroke or heart problems, he underwent tests for blood cancer and multiple sclerosis. His doctor eventually suggested a neurologist. "I was poisoning myself while [I was] trying to work out how I've poisoned myself." Still, he continued taking Berocca but concedes he was likely taking too much of the product. After months of suffering came the call from his GP. "He said 'you have to stop taking vitamin supplements'… I said, 'what are you talking about? I've never taken vitamins' And he said 'it's Vitamin B6'." Tests revealed Matthew had nearly three times the toxic level of B6 in his bloodstream. He stopped taking Berocca immediately. And while his symptoms improved within weeks, some burning sensations remain. "I haven't had any peripheral neuropathy for a month," he said. The mental toll though has been severe. "I am so careful about the food that I put in my mouth, the restrictions I have on drinking, the fact I exercise religiously. "I've never had serious mental issues — I'm a glass-half-full person — I don't think I've got a propensity towards depression or anything like that. "But I certainly was depressed about this — this has rocked my world, mentally." There are no warnings on Berocca packaging. Instead, it claims to improve physical energy "when consumed daily for 28 days." Berocca's parent company, pharmaceutical giant Bayer, said it is "committed to consumer safety and regulatory compliance". "All our over-the-counter products ... comply fully with TGA labelling requirements, including ingredient disclosure, dosage, and safety warnings. We will continue to abide by TGA rules and requirements." In 2020 Monique's blood became toxic after consuming protein shakes and multivitamins, she never realised the combined B6 levels were extreme. "It took about a year to be diagnosed," the 35-year-old told 7.30. "The worst state that I was in was being bed-bound for about six months, once the vestibular migraine started and I lost my balance completely. Monique believes during her recovery her symptoms were exacerbated when unwittingly consuming small amounts of B6 in a fortified drink. "I was doing really well, I was exercising again, and carefully checking everything I was eating, but after nine months of improvement I became complacent — I didn't think to check the back of the label," she said. Monique could not provide evidence concluding the fortified drink was a causal factor. Dr South believes much of the marketing around B6 is misleading. "Most of these products, promoting B-vitamins, are marketed as 'energy-giving', and that comes from the understanding that a lot of these vitamins are co-factors of generating energy in cells," she told 7.30. "We're starting to see it in multivitamin minerals from the chemist, but we need better regulations in these higher food products, especially energy drinks. "This increases the impetus for regulators like Food Standards Australian New Zealand the Therapeutic Goods Administration to coordinate together, because it's about the cumulative risks of this amount of B6 being in our food supply. Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview and ABC TV Do you know more about this story? Get in touch with 7.30 here.
CNET
17-07-2025
- General
- CNET
How to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries in 4 Simple Steps
French fries are a staple fast food side dish, but making them at home isn't always as easy as it sounds. Not all preparation methods will leave you with the perfect crispy fries you desire, but we're here to help. No matter the variety you reach for -- curly, crinkle, waffle or wedge -- French fries are best when they're made in an air fryer. You don't need to fuss around with a messy deep fryer or an oven that will dry out the fries, but you do need to follow a few simple rules to make the absolute best air fryer French fries this summer. Making dynamite fries, whether from fresh or frozen, is easy and painless but a few easy practices will give them an impossibly crunchy exterior while leaving the potato inside moist and delicious. Master these air fryer French fry hacks and you'll never have to negotiate a floppy shoestring or soggy tot again. Read on to find out how I make the best crispy, French fries in the air fryer with very little effort. How to make the world's crispiest air fryer fries A few techniques help me get the most out of my air fryer when I'm cooking up frozen goodies like French fries, chicken tenders and tater tots. 1. Preheat for the best crunch You don't need to preheat the air fryer but it will result in crispier fries. Alexandra Jones/CNET The hotter your air fryer is when you add your fries, the more golden brown and crisp they'll become. Not every air fryer has a preheat function but you can run yours for about five minutes at the desired temperature to get the chamber nice and hot before you add the food. 2. Use a light spritz of cooking oil A very light spritz of oil will ensure your air fryer fries don't dry out. Scott Eells/Bloomberg/Getty Images Some people swear by spraying a little of your go-to cooking oil, like canola, olive or avocado, into the basket and over frozen french fries before air frying. The idea is that the extra oil helps the food brown and crisp up. You don't need to go nuts with oil, but a light coating helps seal the potato strings in a divinely crispy crust. An oil mister or spray bottle will help with an even and light coating of oil. Watch this: Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive 19:24 3. Avoid overcrowding the basket Try not to crowd your fries in the basket. Alexandra Jones/CNET Air fryers create convection heat by using a fan (the noise you hear when you turn the machine on) to circulate air around the food, cooking it faster and creating that crunchy exterior we want. For convection cooking to work well, your French fries need to have as much surface area exposed as possible. That means loading up batches of fries in a single layer and leaving just a little space between each piece, if possible. The result is tastier fries in a shorter cooking time. 4. Shake for even cooking Shake a few times during cooking for an even browning. David Watsky/CNET Halfway through the cooking time, pull out your air fryer's basket and give it a good shake. This will help your french fries brown more evenly. Try to get the fries back in a single layer before popping the basket back in and finishing the process. What you need for air fryer fries Frozen french fries Cooking oil like olive or canola Salt (optional) Weeknight dinners are simple when you implement the help of your air fryer. Corin Cesaric/CNET How to make air fryer french fries Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about two minutes. Spritz the air fryer basket with oil. Add the frozen fries to the basket, arranging them in a single layer. If you're using oil, spritz the fries with it. Cook the fries for 10 minutes. Pull out the air fryer basket and shake it. Rearrange the French fries in a single layer, then replace the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes more. The exact time will depend on your air fryer, the size and shape of your fries, and your preferred doneness level. Season your fries with salt, if using, and serve immediately. What to serve with air fryer french fries You can make an equally fantastic burger in the air fryer. Pamela Vachon/CNET In my world, a pile of fries served alongside a salad with a zippy vinaigrette needs no other accompaniment (except maybe a glass of wine). If you're looking to round out your meal or feed a crowd, consider serving air fryer french fries with this easy 45-minute roast chicken or this 10-minute salmon recipe (both made in the air fryer, natch). You can even cook up air fryer bacon cheeseburgers, hot dogs, or chicken thighs to accompany your french fries. Add some veggies to the plate by air-frying Brussels sprouts, cauliflower steaks, broccoli florets or shishito peppers. Air fryer fries FAQ How long do fries take in the air fryer? The cook time for air fryer french fries depends on the temperature. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, fries usually take 15 to 20 minutes to cook. Can I put frozen french fries in the air fryer? Yes, you can air fry frozen french fries straight from the bag. Preheat the basket and avoid overcrowding for best results.
