Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) is used to support or treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) based on some scientific evidence, though findings are mixed and the overall strength of evidence is considered low to moderate. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated the effectiveness of vitamin B6 in reducing PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. Some studies have found that daily doses of vitamin B6 (typically 50–100 mg) may provide modest relief for certain PMS symptoms, particularly in the realm of mood and affective symptoms. For example, a 1999 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology concluded that vitamin B6 was more effective than placebo in alleviating overall PMS symptoms, with the greatest benefits seen in emotional symptoms.
However, study quality has often been low, with small sample sizes and methodological limitations. More recent reviews, including those by Cochrane, note that while there is some indication of benefit, the evidence is not robust and larger, high-quality studies are needed. Major health organizations do not universally recommend vitamin B6 for PMS, though it is sometimes used in clinical practice due to its relative safety at recommended dosages. In summary, the use of vitamin B6 for PMS is supported by some scientific evidence, but the effectiveness is not conclusively established.
More about Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
More about PMS (general)
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
AlcoholismAnemia
Anxiety
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Migraine
Morning Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervous Exhaustion
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Seizures
Stress