Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
For the health condition: PMS Type D
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate) and PMS Type D
Vitamin B6, particularly in its active form pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, has been investigated as a potential treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including PMS Type D (Depression type, characterized by mood swings, irritability, and depressive symptoms). The rationale for its use is grounded in the vitamin's role as a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are implicated in mood regulation.
Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B6 in alleviating PMS symptoms. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that vitamin B6 supplementation (typically 50–100 mg/day) may reduce overall PMS symptoms, with particular benefit for mood-related complaints. However, the evidence is inconsistent; while certain older studies and small trials report statistically significant improvement in depressive and emotional symptoms, larger and more recent reviews (such as a 2017 Cochrane review) conclude that the quality of evidence is low to moderate, with methodological limitations and risk of bias.
In summary, there is scientific rationale and some clinical evidence supporting the use of vitamin B6 for PMS Type D, but the evidence base is not robust. Benefits appear modest and not all studies confirm efficacy. Therefore, vitamin B6 is sometimes used in clinical practice for this purpose, but recommendations should be tempered by the limited strength of current evidence.
More about Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
More about PMS Type D
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