Relationship: Mental Illness and vitamin B6

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been investigated for its role in mental health, particularly in mood regulation and certain psychiatric disorders. Scientific interest stems from B6’s involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis, including serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are critical for mood and cognitive function. Deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to neurological symptoms, including irritability, depression, and confusion. Some observational studies have found lower B6 levels in people with depression, and supplementation may alleviate symptoms in those who are deficient. Additionally, B6 is part of combination therapies (e.g., with magnesium or folic acid) studied for conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and some mood disorders. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating B6 supplementation in non-deficient individuals with mental illness are limited, and results are mixed. Most reviews conclude that while B6 is essential for brain health and correcting deficiency can improve symptoms, there is insufficient evidence to recommend supplementation above dietary needs for psychiatric disorders in the general population. In certain cases, such as pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy or rare metabolic disorders, B6 is medically indicated, but these are not common mental health conditions. In summary, the use of vitamin B6 for mental illness is supported by a plausible biological mechanism and some clinical evidence, particularly in deficiency states, but robust scientific validation for routine use in mental health treatment is lacking.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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Health concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6For the health condition: Mental Illness

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Mental Illness

Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6

Products containing vitamin B6

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: Mental Illness