Randomised trial, 1985
Does vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) help premenstrual syndrome?
Vitamin B6 showed a small benefit overall after 3 cycles, though it did not clearly improve individual symptoms more than placebo.
What they did
617 women diagnosed with PMS in general practice were randomly assigned to receive either pyridoxine or placebo in a blind study for 3 menstrual cycles. 434 women were analyzed. Doctors assessed 9 different symptoms.
What they found
Both treatment and placebo improved 7 of the 9 symptoms assessed. The difference between pyridoxine and placebo was not statistically significant for individual symptoms. However, overall assessment after 3 cycles was significantly greater in the pyridoxine group (p less than 0.02).
What it means for you
Vitamin B6 may provide modest overall symptom improvement in PMS, though the benefit for specific symptoms is not clear. This is a large study done in real-world primary care settings, which is a strength. However, the effect size appears small.
617
women enrolled in general practice
434
women analyzed
3
menstrual cycles of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Controlled trial of pyridoxine in the premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Williams MJ, Harris RI, Dean BC
- Journal
- The Journal of international medical research
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 617
- What was tested
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) versus placebo for 3 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/030006058501300305
Topics
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