Relationship: Seizures and vitamin B6

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

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Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is scientifically validated as a treatment for certain types of seizures, particularly those associated with a rare condition called pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE). PDE is a genetic disorder in which mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene disrupt the metabolism of lysine, leading to an accumulation of toxic metabolites that interfere with neurotransmitter (such as GABA) synthesis. This condition presents as intractable seizures in neonates and infants, which do not respond to standard anticonvulsant therapies but are rapidly controlled with pharmacological doses of vitamin B6.

The use of vitamin B6 for seizures is well-documented in medical literature. Multiple case reports and reviews describe dramatic cessation of seizures within hours of B6 administration in affected infants. Diagnosis can be confirmed by genetic testing or biochemical analysis. The standard of care for PDE is life-long vitamin B6 supplementation, often at high doses (typically 50–500 mg/day).

However, vitamin B6 is not generally effective for seizures due to other causes. For most people with epilepsy, B6 supplementation offers no benefit unless there is a specific deficiency or metabolic disorder. There are also rare cases where other inborn errors of metabolism affecting B6 metabolism (such as pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency) can lead to similar presentations and respond to B6 or its active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate.

In summary, the scientific evidence is strong for the use of vitamin B6 in treating certain rare, genetically determined seizure disorders, but not for epilepsy in general.

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

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

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Seizures

Other health conditions supported by vitamin B6

Products containing vitamin B6

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