Does Mega Magnesium Contain Vitamin B6? What the Label Says

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Many popular magnesium supplement formulas, including specific Mega Magnesium products, are formulated to contain vitamin B6, an ingredient added primarily to enhance the body's absorption of the mineral. However, not all supplements are created equal, and understanding the role of each ingredient is crucial for informed health decisions.

Quick Summary

Many Mega Magnesium products include vitamin B6 to aid mineral absorption and provide synergistic benefits. Formulas can vary, so always check the product label for specific ingredients and potential side effects, like those linked to high B6 intake.

Key Points

Contains B6: Many Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium products include vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to enhance the body's absorption of magnesium.
Enhanced Absorption: Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor, helping to transport magnesium into cells and improving overall bioavailability.
Check Labels: Not all magnesium supplements contain B6, and different product variations exist. Always read the label to confirm specific ingredients.
Potential Risks: Long-term, high-dose B6 supplementation can cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition leading to nerve damage.
Regulatory Warnings: Due to potential risks, some countries have issued recalls and require specific warning labels on products with higher B6 content.
Synergistic Effects: The combination of B6 and magnesium is often used to address symptoms of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Mega Magnesium and the Vitamin B6 Combination

The short answer is that many Mega Magnesium products sold under the brand Ethical Nutrients do contain vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine hydrochloride. The inclusion of B6 is a deliberate and common practice among certain supplement manufacturers to improve the supplement's overall efficacy. This synergy is not present in all magnesium supplements, and ingredients can differ significantly between brands and even different products within the same brand. For this reason, a careful reading of the supplement facts label is the only way to know for sure what is in your specific product.

Why are Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Combined?

The rationale for combining these two nutrients is based on their complementary functions within the body. While magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, its absorption and cellular uptake can be limited. Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor that facilitates the movement of magnesium into the body's cells, thereby increasing its bioavailability. This enhanced absorption is particularly beneficial for therapeutic applications aimed at relieving symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

The combined effect is also noted in addressing certain health concerns, including:

Stress and Anxiety: Both nutrients play a role in regulating neurotransmitters that influence mood. Studies have shown that the combination may offer greater stress reduction benefits than magnesium alone.
PMS Symptoms: For women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the magnesium and B6 combination has been shown to help manage symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and water retention.
Energy Production: By improving energy metabolism, the duo can help combat fatigue and boost overall energy levels.
Nervous System Health: Together, they support healthy nervous system function and can help with muscle cramps and spasms.

Important Considerations for B6 Content

While the combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 offers benefits, it is not without potential risks, especially concerning high-dose intake of B6 over extended periods.

The Risk of Excessive Vitamin B6

Unlike magnesium, which has a laxative effect if taken in excess, too much vitamin B6 from supplements can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms include tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet. In some cases, this nerve damage can be permanent.

This risk became a significant public safety issue, leading to regulatory action in several countries. In 2023, for instance, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia issued a recall for a batch of Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Raspberry Powder due to high pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) content that exceeded the maximum recommended daily dose. This highlights the importance of:

Reading Labels: Pay close attention to the ingredient list, dosage, and any warnings. The TGA now requires warning statements on labels for products containing more than 10mg of B6 per daily dose.
Monitoring Total Intake: Be aware of your total vitamin B6 intake from all supplements, including multivitamins and B-complex products, to avoid exceeding safe upper limits.
Consulting a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Comparing Magnesium Supplements

Not all magnesium supplements contain B6. The choice depends on your specific health goals and a careful consideration of potential side effects. The table below compares a typical Mega Magnesium product with a B6-free alternative, like MegaFood's Magnesium Glycinate, which uses a different formulation to enhance absorption.


Feature	Mega Magnesium (Ethical Nutrients)	Magnesium (e.g., MegaFood brand)	Key Difference
Contains Vitamin B6?	Yes, typically Pyridoxine Hydrochloride	No, specifically formulated without B6	B6 included for enhanced absorption and synergistic effects on stress and PMS.
Primary Absorption Aid	Vitamin B6	Chelated forms (glycinate, citrate) to be gentle on stomach and improve uptake	Different approaches to maximizing magnesium bioavailability.
Potential Side Effects	Risk of peripheral neuropathy with high-dose, long-term B6; recalled due to dosage issue.	Less risk of high-dose B6-related nerve damage.	B6-related nerve damage is a specific risk to consider for the B6-containing products.
Targeted Use	Stress management, PMS relief, muscle cramps, energy support.	Calming effect, muscle function, and relaxation without the added B6 benefits/risks.	Formulas target different user needs and risk profiles.

Conclusion: Read Your Label and Consult a Professional

In conclusion, many Mega Magnesium products do contain vitamin B6, an ingredient included to enhance the absorption and efficacy of the magnesium. This combination is particularly beneficial for addressing issues related to stress, energy, and PMS symptoms. However, not all supplements, including other Mega Magnesium formulations, will contain this ingredient, and there are valid reasons for choosing a B6-free product. The most critical takeaway is the importance of reading your supplement label carefully to understand the exact ingredients and dosages. Excessive intake of vitamin B6, especially from multiple supplements, carries a risk of peripheral neuropathy. To ensure you are choosing the right supplement for your specific needs and minimizing potential risks, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional. For additional information on Vitamin B6, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) fact sheet on Vitamin B6.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main reason is to enhance the absorption and cellular uptake of magnesium. Vitamin B6 helps facilitate the transport of magnesium into the body's cells, increasing its bioavailability.

Ingredients can and do vary between different versions of Mega Magnesium products. For example, 'Mega Magnesium Energy Powder' may have different components than the standard tablet formula. You must check the ingredient list for your specific product.

Excessive intake of supplemental vitamin B6 over a long period can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition causing nerve damage and resulting in numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.

Check the supplement facts panel on the product label. Vitamin B6 will likely be listed as pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, or another chemical name.

Yes. Some people, including those already getting sufficient B6 from their diet or other supplements, may prefer a B6-free magnesium product. Many chelated forms like glycinate or malate offer high absorption without the addition of B6.

For most people, a balanced diet can provide adequate amounts of both. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, while B6 is in meat, fish, and potatoes. However, supplementation may be necessary for those with deficiencies or specific health needs.

If you experience symptoms like tingling, burning, or numbness, you should stop taking the supplement and consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. These are potential signs of peripheral neuropathy from excess B6.