Survey study, 1988
Does vitamin B6 help premenstrual syndrome?
Some women with PMS improved with vitamin B6 supplementation. Better results were seen at doses of 150-200 mg per day rather than lower doses.
What they did
Researchers reviewed studies of women taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for PMS from 1976 to 1986, plus a preliminary study using vitamin B6 combined with magnesium and other vitamins. Women's responses were sorted into three groups: good response, partial response, or no response. Side effects and use of other medications were also noted.
What they found
Better results were seen at pyridoxine doses of 150-200 mg per day rather than lower doses. Women's responses varied from good to partial to none. Side effects were noted.
What it means for you
This suggests vitamin B6 may help some women with PMS, especially at moderate to higher doses. The main limit is that this is based on reviews of older studies rather than new research, so specific outcomes like how many women improved are unclear.
150-200
mg per day dose with better results
3
response categories (good, partial, none)
1976-1986
years of studies reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- Vitamin B-6 treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Brush MG
- Journal
- Current topics in nutrition and disease
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) at 150-200 mg per day, or combined with magnesium and other vitamins
Topics
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