Latest news with #toxicity
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
What is vitamin B6 toxicity and what are the symptoms of taking too much?
In January Guardian Australia told the story of Simon Bogemann who developed a nerve condition known as peripheral neuropathy after consuming excessive vitamin B6 from multivitamin and magnesium supplements. Since then, the potential of these over-the-counter supplements to cause harm has attracted increasing attention. An interim decision from the Therapeutic Goods Administration proposes changes that could see products containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 become pharmacist-only medicines. A potential class action against Blackmores is also being considered for excessive B6 levels in the company's vitamin supplements. As the regulator considers further action, here's what you need to know about vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 toxicity occurs when people consume excessive amounts of B6-containing supplements and have levels in their blood higher than what the body needs. Dr Terri-Lynne South, a GP, dietician and spokesperson for the Royal College of General Practitioners, says: 'Back in the day, B6 was what we would call a water-soluble vitamin, and the wisdom was you can't overdose on water-soluble vitamins … But we found, certainly with B6, that's not the case, that it is stored in the body.' Higher than normal amounts of B6 stored in the blood can have damaging effects, South says, 'particularly to some of our peripheral nerves – nerves in the extremities'. It can cause dysfunction, including pain, pins and needles, loss of sensation and loss of motor function in extreme cases. Vitamin B6 is found naturally in many foods including fish, non-citrus fruits and starchy vegetables. High intake of B6 from natural sources have not been reported to cause adverse effects. Sign up: AU Breaking News email B6 is also found in many supplements, including magnesium, multivitamins, zinc, and B-complex formulas, as well as fortified foods, including energy drinks, breakfast cereals and weight loss shakes. B6 toxicity occurs when people consume excessive amounts of B6 from these non-natural sources. People only need about 1mg of B6, so it can be very easy to consume too much, South says. 'Part of the problem is that B6 is known by different names [including] pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and so it can be difficult for people to actually know how much B6 they're getting from all sources.' People should be mindful if they are taking vitamin or mineral supplements, or using products with B6 such as energy drinks. The symptoms of B6 toxicity which lead to peripheral neuropathy are not very specific, meaning they could have many causes, South says. If people have pins and needles in the hands and feet, or a burning sensation, numbness or difficulty with balance or walking, 'I wouldn't necessarily jump to say that it's B6 toxicity.' Be aware of the many sources B6 is found in, as well as its numerous names including pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine, South says. 'Work out how much you might be having a day,' South says. If it's greater than 50mg, South recommends talking to a GP or pharmacist about your consumption. Even if people don't have symptoms, they should not be taking more than 50mg a day, she says. There is still some conjecture about whether amounts even lower than 50mg can cause toxicity. 'It is very individual at what point in time someone who's having excessive sources of B6 may get symptoms of toxicity,' South says. If people do experience symptoms, a blood test could help work out whether it is B6 toxicity or something else, she says.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
What is vitamin B6 toxicity and what are the symptoms of taking too much?
In January Guardian Australia told the story of Simon Bogemann who developed a nerve condition known as peripheral neuropathy after consuming excessive vitamin B6 from multivitamin and magnesium supplements. Since then, the potential of these over-the-counter supplements to cause harm has attracted increasing attention. An interim decision from the Therapeutic Goods Administration proposes changes that could see products containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 become pharmacist-only medicines. A potential class action against Blackmores is also being considered for excessive B6 levels in the company's vitamin supplements. As the regulator considers further action, here's what you need to know about vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 toxicity occurs when people consume excessive amounts of B6-containing supplements and have levels in their blood higher than what the body needs. Dr Terri-Lynne South, a GP, dietician and spokesperson for the Royal College of General Practitioners, says: 'Back in the day, B6 was what we would call a water-soluble vitamin, and the wisdom was you can't overdose on water-soluble vitamins … But we found, certainly with B6, that's not the case, that it is stored in the body.' Higher than normal amounts of B6 stored in the blood can have damaging effects, South says, 'particularly to some of our peripheral nerves – nerves in the extremities'. It can cause dysfunction, including pain, pins and needles, loss of sensation and loss of motor function in extreme cases. Vitamin B6 is found naturally in many foods including fish, non-citrus fruits and starchy vegetables. High intake of B6 from natural sources have not been reported to cause adverse effects. Sign up: AU Breaking News email B6 is also found in many supplements, including magnesium, multivitamins, zinc, and B-complex formulas, as well as fortified foods, including energy drinks, breakfast cereals and weight loss shakes. B6 toxicity occurs when people consume excessive amounts of B6 from these non-natural sources. People only need about 1mg of B6, so it can be very easy to consume too much, South says. 'Part of the problem is that B6 is known by different names [including] pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and so it can be difficult for people to actually know how much B6 they're getting from all sources.' People should be mindful if they are taking vitamin or mineral supplements, or using products with B6 such as energy drinks. The symptoms of B6 toxicity which lead to peripheral neuropathy are not very specific, meaning they could have many causes, South says. If people have pins and needles in the hands and feet, or a burning sensation, numbness or difficulty with balance or walking, 'I wouldn't necessarily jump to say that it's B6 toxicity.' Be aware of the many sources B6 is found in, as well as its numerous names including pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine, South says. 'Work out how much you might be having a day,' South says. If it's greater than 50mg, South recommends talking to a GP or pharmacist about your consumption. Even if people don't have symptoms, they should not be taking more than 50mg a day, she says. There is still some conjecture about whether amounts even lower than 50mg can cause toxicity. 'It is very individual at what point in time someone who's having excessive sources of B6 may get symptoms of toxicity,' South says. If people do experience symptoms, a blood test could help work out whether it is B6 toxicity or something else, she says.
Washington Post
22-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
These DIY solutions can replace a closet full of chemical cleaners
Without much thought, Americans have built up potent arsenals in their homes worthy of a chemical weapons treaty. I'm talking, of course, about your cleaning cabinet. When I investigated mine recently, I found potent mixtures containing ethoxylated alcohols and quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as 'quats.' While regulators consider these products safe, some ingredients are also irritants, or even toxic, at high doses. Worse, quats and other common ingredients such as fragrances (often undisclosed trade secrets) are getting a second look as potentially harmful for the environment and us.
Irish Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Soothers with choking-hazards, sunglasses with no UV filters, raincoats with toxic chemicals: McGrath shocked by dangers of some Shein, Temu goods
The EU justice commissioner has expressed shock at the toxicity and dangers of some goods being sold by Shein and Temu , amid a crackdown on the popular Chinese retail platforms. With 12m low-value parcels each day coming into the EU from online retailers outside the bloc, Michael McGrath has vowed to crack down on the sale of goods that blatantly break the law. He is waiting for the imminent results of an EU-wide secret shopper operation to further test evidence already gathered that Chinese retailers are bypassing EU laws. Among the worst examples Mr McGrath came across were baby soothers with beads that fall off easily, which pose a choking hazard because they did not have the regulation size hole to enable a baby who did swallow one accidentally to continue to get air. READ MORE Among other goods cited by MEPs in a report released this month include children's raincoats with toxic chemicals, sunglasses with no UV filter and kids' shorts with draw strings longer than regulation length that cause a trip hazard. They also found cosmetics containing butylphenyl methylpropional, also known as Lillal, which is listed as a chemical of 'very high concern' by the EU and has been banned since 2022 over concerns that it affects fertility and foetal development. Last year, the UK government told consumers to dispose of any products containing the ingredient. 'I am shocked by it, and I think we have a duty to protect European consumers,' Mr McGrath told the Guardian. National consumer protection authorities send out rapid alerts across the EU warning of unsafe non-food products as part of a service, Safety Gate, which is also open to consumer complaints. Last year, Safety Gate received a record high of 4,137 alerts with more than a third relating to cosmetics, ahead of toys, electrical appliances, auto and chemical products. While consumer groups are concerned about safety, Mr McGrath is also worried that the platforms that have exploded in popularity in the last two years are damaging local businesses through unfair competition. 'The growth is extraordinary, and it has placed enormous pressure on the systems at member state level,' he said. 'I am determined that we step up our enforcement of our product safety laws and our consumer protection rules. It's not only about protecting consumers, but there is a very serious level playing field issue here for European businesses, because they are expected to compete with sellers who are not complying with our rules,' he said. 'They are incurring significant costs in Europe to comply with our requirements, and they should not be expected to compete with those who are not doing the same.' EU figures show 12m low-value items coming into the bloc a day, amounting to 4.6bn consignments under €150 for 2024 – double that of 2023 and three times as many as 2022. Among the moves the EU is considering is an abolition of the €150 duty-free threshold and the introduction of a handling fee for each package which may deter low-value purchases and help pay the cost of extra customs investigations. The move would echo the situation in the US, where Donald Trump signed an executive order to end the $800 duty-free threshold in an assault on the Chinese sellers. American buyers have had to pay an additional 30 per cent tax or a minimum of $50 an item after June 1st this year. Also possible is the creation of an EU-wide customs authority to cope with the systemic issues. Mr McGrath said it 'remains to be seen' if the subject will be raised at an EU-China summit in Beijing on July 25th, but he plans to address it directly himself. 'I will certainly be engaging directly with Chinese authorities and we will [be] visiting later on this year,' he said. Shein said it was investing $15m this year in compliance and safety initiatives including $2.5m toward product and safety quality tests and has partnerships with 15 testing centres, including operations in the UK and Germany. It said it had removed 500 vendors since the launch of its marketplace. A spokesperson said: 'Earning and maintaining the trust of our consumers is paramount, and we are fully committed to ensuring the products we offer are safe and compliant. 'All of our vendors are required to comply with Shein's code of conduct and stringent safety standards, and must also abide by the relevant laws and regulations of the markets where we operate.' Temu has been approached for comment. – Guardian
The Guardian
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
EU commissioner shocked by dangers of some goods sold by Shein and Temu
The EU justice commissioner has expressed shock at the toxicity and dangers of some goods being sold by Shein and Temu, amid a crackdown on the popular Chinese retail platforms. With 12m low-value parcels each day coming into the EU from online retailers outside the bloc, Michael McGrath has vowed to crack down on the sale of goods that blatantly break the law. He is waiting for the imminent results of an EU-wide secret shopper operation to further test evidence already gathered that Chinese retailers are bypassing EU laws. Among the worst examples McGrath came across were baby soothers with beads that fall off easily, which pose a choking hazard because they did not have the regulation size hole to enable a baby who did swallow one accidentally to continue to get air. Among other goods cited by MEPs in a report released this month include children's raincoats with toxic chemicals, sunglasses with no UV filter and kids shorts with draw strings longer than regulation length that cause a trip hazard. They also found cosmetics containing butylphenyl methylpropional, also known as Lillal, which is listed as a chemical of 'very high concern' by the EU and has been banned since 2022 over concerns that it affects fertility and fetal development. Last year, the UK government told consumers to dispose of any products containing the ingredient. 'I am shocked by it, and I think we have a duty to protect European consumers,' McGrath told the Guardian. National consumer protection authorities send out rapid alerts across the EU warning of unsafe non-food products as part of a service, Safety Gate, which is also open to consumer complaints. Last year, Safety Gate received a record high of 4,137 alerts with more than a third relating to cosmetics, ahead of toys, electrical appliances, auto and chemical products. While consumer groups are concerned about safety, McGrath is also worried that the platforms which have exploded in popularity in the last two years are damaging local businesses through unfair competition. 'The growth is extraordinary, and it has placed enormous pressure on the systems at member state level,' he said. 'I am determined that we step up our enforcement of our product safety laws and our consumer protection rules. It's not only about protecting consumers, but there is a very serious level playing field issue here for European businesses, because they are expected to compete with sellers who are not complying with our rules,' he said. 'They are incurring significant costs in Europe to comply with our requirements, and they should not be expected to compete with those who are not doing the same.' EU figures show 12m low-value items coming into the bloc a day, amounting to 4.6bn consignments under €150 for 2024 – double that of 2023 and three times as many as 2022. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Among the moves the EU is considering is an abolition of the €150 duty-free threshold and the introduction of a handling fee for each package which may deter low-value purchases and help pay the cost of extra customs investigations. The move would echo the situation in the US, where Donald Trump signed an executive order to end the $800 duty-free threshold in an assault on the Chinese sellers. American buyers have had to pay an additional 30% tax or a minimum of $50 an item after 1 June this year. Also possible is the creation of a EU-wide customs authority to cope with the systemic issues. McGrath said it 'remains to be seen' if the subject will be raised at an EU-China summit in Beijing on 25 July but he plans to address it directly himself. 'It will certainly be engaging directly with Chinese authorities and we will visiting later on this year,' he said. Shein said it was investing $15m this year in compliance and safety initiatives including 2.5m product and safety quality tests and has partnerships with 15 testing centres, including operations in the UK, Germany. It said it had removed 500 vendors since the launch of its marketplace. A spokesperson said: 'Earning and maintaining the trust of our consumers is paramount, and we are fully committed to ensuring the products we offer are safe and compliant. 'All of our vendors are required to comply with Shein's code of conduct and stringent safety standards, and must also abide by the relevant laws and regulations of the markets where we operate.' Temu has been approached for comment.
