Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6, particularly in its active form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), has some scientific rationale for its use in supporting anxiety disorders, though the evidence is limited and not robust. PLP is a coenzyme involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—all of which play roles in mood regulation and anxiety. Some small-scale clinical studies and observational research suggest that low levels of vitamin B6 may be associated with increased risk of mood disorders, including anxiety. For example, a 2022 randomized controlled trial found that high-dose B6 supplementation modestly reduced self-reported anxiety levels, likely by boosting GABAergic activity. However, these findings are preliminary, and the sample sizes are small.

Most clinical guidelines do not recommend B6 as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, and systematic reviews highlight the need for larger, more rigorous studies to confirm benefits. While B6 is sometimes included in over-the-counter "stress support" supplements, its use is not based on strong clinical evidence but on its biochemical role in neurotransmitter synthesis. Thus, the scientific support is weak to moderate (rated 2 out of 5), with some plausible mechanisms and a few suggestive studies, but not enough to warrant widespread clinical use for anxiety on its own.

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