Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is commonly used to support or treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is some scientific evidence supporting its use, though the quality and consistency of the data are moderate, not strong. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have investigated vitamin B6 supplementation (typically in doses of 50-100 mg/day) for PMS symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, and breast tenderness. A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Wyatt et al., 1999) found that vitamin B6 was more effective than placebo in relieving overall PMS symptoms, particularly emotional symptoms, though the effect size was modest and some studies included in the review had methodological limitations.
The rationale for using vitamin B6 stems from its role in neurotransmitter synthesis, including serotonin and dopamine, which are implicated in mood regulation. Some women with PMS may have altered neurotransmitter metabolism, and B6 could potentially help correct this imbalance. However, more recent reviews (e.g., Cochrane Database, 2019) conclude that while there is some benefit, the evidence is not robust, and further high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Vitamin B6 is generally safe at recommended doses, but chronic high intake can cause neuropathy.
In summary, the use of vitamin B6 for PMS is supported by moderate scientific evidence, particularly for mood-related symptoms, but it is not considered a definitive or first-line treatment.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
27-deoxyacteinAerva lanata
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Alchemilla
Ashoka
ashwagandha
banana
bee pollen
beet
black cohosh
borage
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
Calendula
chamomile
chaste tree
chocolate
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
Cyathula
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai
dong quai root
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
Evodia
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
Gugglesterone
inositol
jujube
kudzu
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
lotus
maca
macaenes
magnesium
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
peach
Phthalides
Phytoestrogens
Pimpinella
pollen
Pulsatilla
Pycnogenol
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
royal jelly
Rubiaceae
Rubus
sage
Soy
soybean
Sweet Bay
Sweet Orange alcohol
Szechuan lovage
Valerian root
Vervain
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Watermelon
Wild yam
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6
Anger (excessive)Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Burning Feet or Hands
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Insomnia
Irritability
Kidney Stones
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
Alcoholism
Anemia
Bell's Palsy
Amenorrhea
Arthritis
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Depression
Diabetes
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
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
