The Dangers of Overconsumption: A Woman’s Story
The saying ‘too much of a good thing’ has never been truer for one woman who opened up about the adverse side effects she experienced while taking magnesium supplements.
Supplements are typically taken to add nutrients to one’s diet; however, Tamajyn claims her magnesium intake did the opposite. She shared her story with Newsweek, referencing her Reddit post titled: ‘I found out last night I may have inadvertently been poisoning myself the past few months.’
She noted, ‘I’ve never been much of a multivitamins or supplements person, but as I approach 40, some friends recommended magnesium supplements to help with overall energy levels and muscle health.’
Magnesium offers numerous benefits, especially for women, supporting health, muscle function, relaxation, and overall well-being.
After several months, Tamajyn, a resident of New South Wales, Australia, began experiencing troubling symptoms such as an ‘erratic’ heartbeat. Initially unaware of the connection to her supplements, she reassessed her situation after watching a video on supplement poisoning.
What Was Inside the Supplement?
The recommended daily dose of the supplement Tamajyn consumed was one to two tablets, each containing:
- Magnesium (from Heavy Magnesium Oxide) 295mg
- Magnesium (from Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate) 30mg
- Manganese (from Manganese Amino Acid Chelate) 6mg
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 60mg
According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) for vitamin B6 is between 1.3 and 1.5 mg for women aged 19 to 70, which is consistent with guidelines in the United States.
A spokesperson for Cenovis commented, ‘Consumer safety is our highest priority. Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that supports metabolism, immune function, and brain health. When taken at appropriate levels, it is safe and well-tolerated.’
They added, ‘Adverse effects are rare and typically linked to excessive intake from multiple sources. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) strictly regulates vitamin B6 supplements, requiring clear warnings on products exceeding 10 mg per day.’
The Side Effects Tamajyn Faced
In her February 22 Reddit post, Tamajyn detailed symptoms including a ‘heavy’ heartbeat at night and skin sores. ‘A few weeks ago, it was so severe, I considered calling an ambulance as I thought I might be having a heart attack,’ she stated.
Later, she shared with Newsweek, ‘I experienced mild tingling in my extremities and increased light sensitivity.’ She highlighted the startling realization after watching a revealing video online: ‘I almost fell off my chair’ after recognizing her symptoms mirrored others who faced vitamin B6 poisoning.
Concluding her post, Tamajyn noted, ‘To Cenovis, obviously all of this is ALLEGEDLY. I’m not insinuating your product has caused anything but the similarities between my symptoms and the symptoms discussed in the video are striking.’
Expert Opinions on Vitamin B6 Risks
Deborah Grayson, an experienced pharmacist, discussed the implications of vitamin B6 overconsumption. ‘Vitamin B6 plays many roles in the body, including the function of over 100 enzyme reactions primarily related to metabolism,’ she explained.
Grayson warned that excessive intake can cause peripheral neuropathy, characterized by numbness and tingling in extremities, although this condition is reversible when intake stops. ‘Other overdose symptoms include difficulty walking and abdominal pain,’ she added.
Tips on Avoiding Excess Supplement Intake
Grayson provided critical advice for supplement users:
- ‘Natural supplements can have significant effects, especially in higher doses than the RDA.’
- ‘Higher doses should only be considered if genuinely necessary and after consulting a healthcare professional.’
- ‘Thoroughly research ingredients and doses, as high-dose supplements are typically meant for short-term usage.’
- ‘Avoid multiple products with the same ingredients, like B complex and multivitamins.’
- ‘It is generally better to acquire nutrients from food rather than relying solely on supplements.’
- ‘Consult a GP if uncertain about the need for supplements; blood tests can often clarify nutrient levels.’
Would you consider re-evaluating your supplement intake after hearing Tamajyn’s experience?
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