Blackmores Responds to Supplement Toxicity Allegations

8 hours ago 3

Illustration of vitamins and supplements. TEMPO/Subekti

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Australian supplement giant Blackmores has addressed allegations that its products contain toxins. Blackmores is facing a potential lawsuit after a young father claimed to have suffered severe injuries from regularly consuming the company's supplements.

Dominic Noonan-O'Keeffe said that he had taken several over-the-counter Blackmores supplements to improve his health before becoming a father. As reported by ABC News, one of the magnesium products he consumed contained 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6. This, according to a May statement from the law firm Polaris Lawyers, resulted in the product poisoning his body.

He experienced severe fatigue, intense headaches, and hypersensitivity to his environment. His symptoms worsened, with O'Keeffe suffering from muscle spasms, neuralgia, a pounding heart, visual disturbances, and loss of sensation throughout his body.

Hundreds of others claim to have experienced similar issues, and Blackmores potentially faces a class-action lawsuit in Australia.

In response to such concerns, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has moved to correct the use of over-the-counter supplements. The TGA's interim decision states that products with a daily dose exceeding 50 mg, including those with vitamin B6, will be classified as 'Pharmacist Only Medicine.'

A Blackmores spokesperson, who was not named, stated they were aware of the proposed TGA changes and emphasized Blackmores' commitment to the highest product quality standards and consumer safety.

"All our products, including those containing Vitamin B6, are developed in strict accordance with the regulatory requirements of the TGA," the spokesperson said, as reported by 7news.com.au.

"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 Blackmores spokesperson added.

Nick Mann, the founder and head of the Melbourne law firm Polaris Lawyers, reported that 600 Australians have now contacted the firm. They claimed to have sustained long-term injuries from B6 consumed through over-the-counter supplements.

While B6 is an essential vitamin vital for brain, nervous system, immune system, hormone regulation, and metabolism, and can be found naturally in food, it can become toxic if consumed in excess. Ingesting unsafe amounts can lead to nerve damage, migraines, heart palpitations, and burning sensations or numbness throughout the body.

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