Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) has been studied for its potential role in alleviating symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can include menstrual cramps, mood changes, and breast tenderness. The rationale stems from B6’s involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., serotonin and dopamine), which may influence pain perception and mood regulation. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B6 for PMS; some have shown that B6 supplementation (typically 50-100 mg daily) can reduce overall PMS symptoms, particularly mood-related symptoms, but evidence specifically addressing its effect on menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) is less robust and sometimes conflicting.

A 2016 Cochrane review concluded that while vitamin B6 may have a beneficial effect on PMS symptoms, the quality of evidence is low and the effect on menstrual pain itself is not well established. Most studies are small, have methodological limitations, or do not isolate menstrual cramps as a primary endpoint. Despite this, B6 is sometimes recommended for PMS in clinical practice due to its low risk of side effects at recommended doses and some positive findings. Overall, there is modest scientific evidence supporting vitamin B6 for menstrual cramps, but it is not strongly validated.

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