Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
For the health condition: Birth Control (countering side effects)

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) has traditionally been used to counteract certain side effects associated with oral contraceptive (birth control) use, particularly symptoms such as mood changes, depression, and premenstrual-like symptoms. This practice dates back to observations from the 1960s and 1970s, when it was reported that oral contraceptives could lower plasma vitamin B6 levels, potentially leading to deficiency symptoms. Some small clinical trials from that era suggested that supplementation with vitamin B6 might alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and irritability in women taking birth control pills.

However, the scientific evidence supporting this use is limited and inconsistent. More recent reviews, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, have found insufficient high-quality evidence to confirm a clear benefit of vitamin B6 supplementation for countering side effects of birth control pills. While mild depletion of B6 status has been documented in some women using oral contraceptives, the clinical significance of this is unclear, and supplementation is not routinely recommended for all users.

In summary, the use of vitamin B6 for this purpose is primarily rooted in tradition and early clinical observations, but robust scientific validation is lacking. The overall evidence supporting its effectiveness for managing birth control side effects is weak (rated 2/5) and largely anecdotal or based on older, methodologically limited studies.

More about Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
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Other ingredients used for Birth Control (countering side effects)

magnesium
vitamin B

Products containing Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)

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