Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: PMS Type C
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been used to manage symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly PMS Type C, which is characterized by carbohydrate craving, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. The rationale for its use is based on its role in neurotransmitter synthesis, especially serotonin, which is thought to influence mood and cravings. Several clinical trials and reviews have investigated the efficacy of vitamin B6 in alleviating PMS symptoms. A 1999 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reviewed nine randomized controlled trials and found that vitamin B6 was more effective than placebo in reducing overall PMS symptoms, although the studies varied in quality and dosage. More recent Cochrane reviews suggest that while some benefit is evident, the evidence is limited by methodological flaws, small sample sizes, and inconsistent outcome measures. The typical effective dose in studies ranges from 50-100 mg daily; higher doses are not recommended due to risk of neuropathy. For PMS Type C specifically, which is thought to be linked to blood sugar fluctuations and neurotransmitter metabolism, vitamin B6 may help by modulating these pathways. However, the scientific evidence supporting its specific benefit for Type C PMS, as opposed to general PMS, is limited. In summary, there is some scientific support for vitamin B6 in PMS, but the quality and consistency of evidence rate it as modest (2/5).
Other ingredients used for PMS Type C
ashwagandhacalcium
chaste tree
chromium
cinnamon
dong quai root
magnesium
vitamin B6
vitamin C
Wild yam
Zinc
Agnuside
Labisia pumila
Vervain
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6
AlcoholismAmenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Bell's Palsy
Burning Feet or Hands
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Nightmares
Numbness
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Seborrhea
Seizures
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Stress
Thinking (cloudy)
Tics
TMJ
Tuberculosis
Twitching
Worry
Products containing vitamin B6
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free Original Formula)
Nature's Sunshine 5-HTP Power
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Clean Energy
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Plant Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Plant Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Whey Protein
Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Whey Protein
Nature's Sunshine Balanced B Complex (Vitamin B)
Nature's Sunshine Cardio Assurance
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Heavy Metal Detox
Nature's Sunshine Liquid - Methyl Vitamin B-12 Complete
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free) NEW!
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal Chocolate
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal Vanilla
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Energy
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Revive
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Thyroid Support
Nature's Sunshine B-Complex
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin B6
Nature's Sunshine VitaWave
