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

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has some scientific rationale for its use in supporting or treating anxiety disorders, though the evidence is limited and not robust. Vitamin B6 is 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. A few small clinical studies and observational research suggest that individuals with anxiety may have lower levels of B6, and supplementation could theoretically help restore neurotransmitter balance.

One small randomized controlled trial published in 2022 found that high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation reduced self-reported anxiety in young adults compared to placebo, though the effect size was modest and the study had limitations such as short duration and small sample size. Earlier research has also linked B6 deficiency with psychiatric symptoms, but direct evidence of efficacy for treating established anxiety disorders is weak and inconsistent.

Major psychiatric guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin B6 as a primary or adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm its therapeutic benefit. In summary, while there is a plausible biochemical mechanism and some early clinical evidence, the overall strength of the scientific support is low (rated 2 out of 5).

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