Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine 5-phosphate)
For the health condition: PMS Type A

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, particularly its active form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) has been investigated for its role in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), specifically PMS Type A, which is characterized by symptoms thought to be related to estrogen dominance and mood disturbances (such as irritability, anxiety, and mood swings). The primary rationale for using vitamin B6 is its involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which can influence mood regulation.

Several clinical studies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled trials from the 1970s–1990s, have reported modest benefits of vitamin B6 supplementation (typically 50–100 mg daily) in reducing overall PMS symptoms, especially mood-related symptoms. A 1999 meta-analysis (Wyatt et al., BMJ) concluded that vitamin B6 may be more effective than placebo, but the effect size was small and the quality of the studies was variable. More recent systematic reviews still cite methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in outcome measures, making the evidence less robust.

While vitamin B6 is commonly recommended in integrative and conventional medicine for PMS, and there is some scientific basis for its use, the overall evidence is mixed and not definitive. There is no strong consensus on its efficacy, though it is considered relatively safe at standard doses. Therefore, the scientific support for its use is modest (rated 2/5), with ongoing debate about its true clinical benefit.

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