Simon never linked the pain in his hands and feet to multivitamins – but a pathology test did

Simon Bogemann has a nerve condition known as peripheral neuropathy as a result of consuming excessive vitamin B6, found in many multivitamins and magnesium supplements. Photograph: Eugene Hyland/The Guardian

When Simon Bogemann’s hand began cramping around the steering wheel in a claw position on his commute from Geelong to Melbourne, he began to worry.

Bogemann, then 43, was also getting pins and needles in his feet and fingers every night in bed, and while sitting down during short lunch breaks at work.