Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Autism

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

Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been studied as a potential treatment to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) since the 1960s. Early reports and small studies suggested that some autistic children might benefit from high-dose vitamin B6, often in combination with magnesium. Researchers hypothesized that B6 might address neurotransmitter imbalances, as it is a cofactor in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). However, most studies have been small, open-label, or lacked rigorous controls. A few double-blind placebo-controlled trials have shown modest improvements in a subset of children, but the majority of research has failed to demonstrate consistent, clinically significant benefits.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as those published by the Cochrane Collaboration and in peer-reviewed journals, generally conclude that the evidence for vitamin B6 (with or without magnesium) is weak and inconsistent. Most professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, do not recommend vitamin B6 supplementation as a standard treatment for autism due to insufficient evidence and the possibility of side effects at high doses (such as neuropathy). While some practitioners and parents pursue B6 supplementation, its use is supported more by anecdotal reports than robust clinical evidence. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale for investigating vitamin B6 in ASD, the scientific evidence for its efficacy is limited and does not justify routine use.

More about vitamin B6
More about Autism

Products containing vitamin B6

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
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
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Silver Shield BioGuard Hand & Body Cream
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