Relationship: Schizophrenia and vitamin B6

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

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

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been investigated for its potential role in the treatment and support of schizophrenia, primarily based on its involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis. Specifically, vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the production of serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which are neurotransmitters implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Some scientific interest has also focused on B6 because it is used with other nutrients (notably folate and vitamin B12) to lower homocysteine levels, which are sometimes elevated in individuals with schizophrenia and may contribute to psychotic symptoms or cognitive impairment.

However, the overall scientific evidence for vitamin B6 supplementation as a stand-alone treatment for schizophrenia is limited and mixed. A few small studies have suggested that high doses of vitamin B6, sometimes in combination with other B vitamins, may reduce certain symptoms—especially in patients with specific metabolic abnormalities such as elevated homocysteine or pyridoxal phosphate deficiency. For example, a 2017 randomized controlled trial (RCT) found some benefit for high-dose B-vitamins (including B6) in reducing overall psychiatric symptoms when used alongside standard antipsychotic medications. However, these findings are not universally replicated, and the effect sizes are generally modest. Major clinical guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin B6 as a primary or adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia outside of correcting a documented deficiency.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence for vitamin B6 supplementation in specific subgroups of schizophrenia patients, robust support for its routine use is lacking.

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

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6For the health condition: Schizophrenia

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Schizophrenia

Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6

Products containing vitamin B6

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