Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) has some scientific evidence supporting its use for anxiety disorders, though the evidence is limited and not robust. B6 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which are implicated in mood regulation and anxiety. Some small clinical studies and case reports suggest that supplementation with vitamin B6 may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, particularly in individuals with suboptimal B6 levels. For example, a 2022 randomized controlled trial published in "Human Psychopharmacology" found that high-dose B6 supplementation reduced self-reported anxiety in young adults compared to placebo, though the effect size was modest and the study duration short. Other studies have found correlations between low B6 status and higher rates of anxiety, but a causal relationship has not been established.

Despite these findings, the overall quality of the evidence is low due to small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and a lack of replication in diverse populations. Major clinical guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin B6 as a primary or adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders. Due to its role in neurotransmitter synthesis and some preliminary data, B6 is sometimes used as a complementary approach, but more rigorous research is necessary to confirm its efficacy and optimal use in anxiety treatment.

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