We're B6ICK (pronounced "be sick") - a student-led awareness campaign an overlooked health risk hiding in plain sight: vitamin B6 toxicity.
We are a group of third-year Medical Science students at the University of Sydney undertaking a interdisciplinary project focused on science communication and changing lifestyle habits.
Jessica
Becky
Flynn
Helen
Chang
Aoibh
What began as a university science-communication project quickly became something bigger — a mission to change how young Australians think about supplements and their energy drinks.
"Empowering young Australians to make informed decisions about supplements and energy drinks by raising awareness of hidden vitamin B6 toxicity - because prevention starts with knowledge, not a prescription."
In 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned that vitamin B6 has no known safe lower limit for supplementation.
Soon after, ABC News reported rising cases linked to everyday multivitamins and energy drinks.
It hit close to home.
We’d all used these products — “healthy” multivitamins, pre-workouts, and exam-season energy drinks — without realizing we could be slowly damaging our nerves.
Amongst ourselves, those of us working medical practices, hearing about patients diagnosed with toxicity from ordinary supplements made one thing clear:
people need to know.
We’re not here to give medical advice — just the knowledge and motivation to:
Tingling hands, numbness, nerve pain aren't always "just from the gym" or "too much caffeine"
Your pre-workout, multivitamin, energy drink, and protein powder might be stacking up to toxic levels
Early detection prevents permanent nerve damage
running on caffeine and energy drinks during exams
stacking supplements
taking multiple products “for wellness”
No sponsors, no sales, no agenda. We’re not selling alternatives or products.
Research-based. We’ve reviewed clinical literature, consulted GPs, and analysed TGA data.
Firsthand experience. We’ve seen the real-world cases that statistics only hint at.
In a world full of health misinformation, we’re committed to clear, evidence-based communication that points people toward proper medical care.
Watch and share our content on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Check your labels — how much B6 are you really consuming?
Take our short survey — your responses show whether our campaign is making a difference.
Our success isn’t measured in likes, but in conversations with doctors and changed habits.
B6 toxicity isn’t just a student project — it’s a public-health blind spot.
If our campaign sparks broader awareness, better regulation, or clearer supplement labelling, we’ll have achieved more than any assignment could.
For now, we’re six students with a simple message:
Don't be sick, just check for B6.
B6ICK is a student project at the University of Sydney. Any information, content or opinions shared do not represent those of the university.
We are not medical professionals. If you have concerns about B6 toxicity, please consult your GP or healthcare provider.