Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) is used to support or treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) primarily on the basis of scientific investigation, although the degree of evidence is modest. Several clinical trials and reviews have evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B6 in reducing PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. A 1999 meta-analysis (Wyatt et al., BMJ) found that vitamin B6 may be more effective than placebo for overall PMS symptoms, particularly mood-related complaints, but emphasized that most studies were small and methodologically limited. Doses in studies typically ranged from 50-100 mg per day, and concerns about potential neurotoxicity at higher dosages have been noted. Subsequent reviews (e.g., Kashanian et al., 2013; Dickerson et al., 2003) have supported a possible small benefit, especially for psychological symptoms, but have also highlighted the low quality and heterogeneity of the evidence. Vitamin B6 is thought to act by influencing neurotransmitter synthesis, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which may be relevant to PMS mood symptoms. Overall, while vitamin B6 is widely used and there is some scientific support for its use in PMS, the effect size appears modest and evidence quality is low to moderate. Guidelines suggest it can be considered as an option but should be used cautiously and at recommended doses to avoid toxicity.
More about Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
More about PMS (general)
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Evodia
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
AnemiaAnxiety
Autism
Depression
Diabetes
Emotional Sensitivity
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Seizures
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Worry