The Australian Beverages Council has responded to recent media interest regarding the use of vitamin B6 in energy drinks, reaffirming its members’ commitment to strict compliance with food safety regulations.

According to Australian Beverages Council CEO Geoff Parker, vitamin B6 plays an important role in energy metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems.

“Vitamin B6 is found in many everyday foods and supplements. For example, some popular multivitamin supplements contain about 25mg of B6 – at least five times the average B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia,” he says.

“The NHMRC has established an upper level of safe intake at 50mg a day for adults. The average level of B6 in energy drinks sold in Australia is approximately 2.1mg for a 250ml serve.

“Laws regulating energy drinks in Australia are among the most stringent in the world. It is important that vitamin B6 consumption is considered in line with expert advice and high-quality evidence so as to not create unnecessary alarm.”

Background

Vitamin B6 is permitted for use as an ingredient in energy drinks under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

“Its use is informed by world-leading expertise and evidence provided by both NHMRC and FSANZ,” says the Australian Beverages Council.

“Australia’s strict food safety standards require energy drink packaging to include a statement that they are unsuitable for children, pregnant women or those sensitive to caffeine.

“They also include advice on the recommended maximum quantity that should be consumed per day if they contain any listed ingredient in the Food Standard Code, such as vitamin B6.”