Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine 5-phosphate)
For the health condition: PMS Type D

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, including its active form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) has been studied for its potential role in relieving premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including subtypes such as PMS Type D, which is often characterized by depressive symptoms. The rationale is that vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both of which are implicated in mood regulation. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B6 in PMS. A 1999 meta-analysis (Wyatt et al., BMJ) concluded that vitamin B6 may be more effective than placebo in alleviating overall PMS symptoms, especially emotional symptoms, though the quality of evidence was moderate and effect sizes were small. More recent reviews note that while some studies report symptom improvement, methodological limitations and small sample sizes undermine confidence in the results.

There is no robust consensus or guideline recommendation for vitamin B6 as a first-line treatment for PMS. However, given its plausible mechanism and some positive, though limited, clinical data, its use is considered to have some scientific basis. The evidence is far from conclusive, and dosing above 100 mg/day is discouraged due to the risk of neuropathy. In summary, vitamin B6 is sometimes used for PMS Type D based on modest scientific evidence, particularly for mood-related symptoms, but further high-quality research is needed to establish efficacy and safety.

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