⚠️ The Dangers of Self Prescribing Vitamins and Supplements

By Marta Dunin-Labedzki | Shine Health Wellbeing Centre, Black Rock

Discover why taking vitamins without professional guidance can be dangerous. Learn about Vitamin B6 toxicity, other nutrient overdoses, and why you should always consult a qualified naturopath before supplementing.

Why Self Prescribing Supplements Can Be Dangerous

Self prescribing vitamins and supplements has become increasingly common — especially among people wanting to boost energy, improve mood, or support immune health. But without professional guidance, the dangers of self prescribing can cause serious health problems. Over-supplementation can lead to nutrient imbalances, organ damage, or even permanent nerve injury.

In 2025, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a letter to Australian naturopaths and nutritionists stating that Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may be reclassified as a controlled substance due to rising cases of B6-induced neuropathy — nerve damage caused by excessive supplement use.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is essential for brain function, mood balance, hormone regulation, and energy metabolism. However, taking too much can cause toxic nerve damage.

One of my clients came to see me with persistent tingling and burning in her hands and feet. She had been taking several “energy” and “stress support” supplements daily for over three years — unknowingly consuming 150 mg of Vitamin B6 per day. The safe upper limit is only 50 mg daily. Chronic overuse can damage sensory nerves, leading to permanent peripheral neuropathy — pain, numbness, and loss of coordination.

Other Vitamins and Minerals That Can Be Toxic in High Doses

• Selenium toxicity: Hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, digestive upset, and nerve pain.
• Zinc overload: Impairs copper absorption, leading to anaemia, lowered immunity, and nerve dysfunction.
• Iron overdose: Causes oxidative stress, liver damage, and can be fatal in extreme cases.
• Vitamin A excess: Headaches, bone pain, dry skin, and liver toxicity.
• Calcium excess: Kidney stones, calcification of arteries, and impaired absorption of other minerals.
• Potassium toxicity: Irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest.

These issues often occur when people combine multiple supplements, unaware that ingredients overlap. This is why professional guidance is essential.

Why You Should See a Qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist

Only trained professionals in nutritional medicine understand how to prescribe therapeutic doses safely. Qualified naturopaths and clinical nutritionists complete 3–4 years of degree-level study in nutritional biochemistry, therapeutic dosing, and herbal pharmacology. They can safely assess your needs, review medication interactions, and design a personalised supplement plan.

While GPs, chiropractors, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and health coaches provide valuable care, they are not trained to prescribe supplements therapeutically. For your safety, always seek guidance from a qualified naturopath or nutritionist.

Safe Supplement Use: The Bottom Line

Even “natural” supplements can become toxic in excess. The safest and most effective approach is to work with a practitioner who understands both the healing power and the biochemical risks of nutrients.

Get your current supplement list reviewed professionally to avoid hidden overdoses and ensure your program supports your health — not harms it.

🌿 Book a Professional Supplement Review

Work with Marta Dunin-Labedzki, Clinical Naturopath and Acupuncturist since 2001, at Shine Health Wellbeing Centre in Black Rock, VIC. Together, we’ll assess your supplements, check interactions, and optimise your health plan safely.

🌐 Book with Marta our Naturopath

📍 Shine Health Wellbeing Centre
35 Bluff Road, Black Rock, VIC 3193
📞 9589 4549

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If you or someone you know takes multiple supplements, share this article — it could help prevent nerve damage or other side effects.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can taking too many vitamins be harmful?
Yes. While vitamins are essential for health, taking them in excessive doses can cause toxicity. For example, too much Vitamin A can damage the liver, and excess B6 may cause nerve pain, tingling or nerve damage.

Q2: What minerals can cause problems in high doses?
Minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium can all become harmful when over-supplemented. Too much iron may lead to organ damage, and excessive zinc can suppress immunity and cause copper deficiency.

Q3: How can I tell if I’m taking too much of a supplement?
Watch for symptoms like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, nerve tingling, or stomach upset. Always test your levels through blood work before taking large doses of any nutrient.

Q4: Are water-soluble vitamins safer in high doses?
Generally, yes — because the body excretes excess through urine. However, long-term high doses of B6, C, or niacin can still cause side effects.

Q5: What’s the safest way to take supplements?
Always take supplements based on individual needs and blood testing. Work with a qualified naturopath or nutritionist to tailor your dose safely.