Relationship: Attention Deficit Disorder and vitamin B6

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been investigated as a supportive treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to its role in neurotransmitter synthesis, particularly dopamine and serotonin, which are implicated in attention and mood regulation. Some small studies and case reports have suggested that children with ADHD may have lower levels of B6 or that supplementation could improve symptoms, especially when combined with magnesium. For example, a 2006 French study (Mousain-Bosc et al.) reported behavioral improvement in a subset of children with ADHD given magnesium and vitamin B6, but the study's limitations include small sample size, lack of blinding, and the absence of vitamin B6-only arms. Other research has found little or no benefit from B6 supplementation compared to placebo, and large, well-controlled trials are lacking.

Major guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend vitamin B6 as a standard treatment for ADD/ADHD, citing insufficient evidence. Therefore, while the use of B6 for ADHD has some scientific rationale and preliminary research, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low. The majority of experts recommend that B6 should not replace established therapies such as behavioral interventions and stimulant medications but could be considered as a supplementary approach in cases of documented deficiency. The evidence rating is 2 out of 5, reflecting very limited and inconsistent scientific support.

More about vitamin B6
More about Attention Deficit Disorder

Quick Links

Health concerns

Product categories

Body systems

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Attention Deficit Disorder

Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6

Products containing vitamin B6

Quick Links

Health concerns

Product categories

Body systems

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Attention Deficit Disorder

Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6

Products containing vitamin B6

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder