Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine HCl)
For the health condition: PMS Type D

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine HCl) has traditionally been used to support symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including PMS Type D, which is characterized by depressive symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability. The rationale for its use is based on B6's role as a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which are thought to be involved in mood regulation. Historically, B6 was introduced for PMS management in the 1970s and 1980s, with anecdotal and early clinical reports suggesting that supplementation (often in doses of 50-100 mg/day) could alleviate mood-related PMS symptoms.

However, scientific evidence is mixed and generally not robust. Some small randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have suggested a modest benefit of vitamin B6 over placebo for overall PMS symptoms, especially mood-related complaints. For example, a 1999 meta-analysis (Wyatt et al., BMJ) found limited evidence that B6 may be more effective than placebo in reducing PMS symptoms, but noted methodological weaknesses in the studies. Later reviews have echoed these findings, highlighting inconsistent results and a lack of high-quality, large-scale trials. There is very limited direct research specifically on PMS Type D or on pyridoxamine HCl as opposed to other forms of B6. Most guidelines do not recommend B6 as a first-line treatment due to insufficient evidence.

In summary, while traditional use and some low-quality studies support B6 for PMS (including Type D), scientific validation is limited and evidence quality remains low.

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