Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
For the health condition: PMS Type C
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is used to support or treat PMS Type C (characterized by symptoms such as cravings, increased appetite, headaches, and fatigue, often attributed to carbohydrate metabolism disturbances) based on some scientific evidence, though the strength of this evidence is modest. Several clinical trials and reviews have investigated the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in general, not always specifying subtypes like Type C. A 1999 systematic review (BJOG, Wyatt et al.) concluded that vitamin B6 was more effective than placebo in relieving overall PMS symptoms, though studies were small and often methodologically limited. More recent Cochrane reviews (2011) found low-quality evidence suggesting a possible benefit in reducing PMS symptoms, but emphasized the need for larger, better-designed studies. The proposed mechanism involves vitamin B6's role in neurotransmitter synthesis (such as serotonin and dopamine), which may influence mood and appetite, as well as its involvement in glucose metabolism, potentially addressing carbohydrate cravings typical of PMS Type C. However, there's limited direct evidence specifically linking B6 to improvement in PMS Type C symptoms. Most guidelines note that while B6 supplementation (up to 100 mg/day) is generally safe, its efficacy is not robustly established. In summary, vitamin B6 is used based on some scientific validation, but high-quality evidence specific to PMS Type C remains lacking.
Other ingredients used for PMS Type C
ashwagandhacalcium
chaste tree
chromium
cinnamon
dong quai root
magnesium
vitamin B6
vitamin C
wild yam
zinc
Agnuside
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
AnemiaCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Depression
Morning Sickness
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
Stress