Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential water-soluble vitamin with several forms, including pyridoxine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, found in fish, poultry, potatoes and bananas.
Also listed as pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, pyridoxal phosphate
Can B6 ease anxiety?
A trial in young adults tested 100 mg daily for about a month. Anxiety scores improved within the B6 group, but the difference in change versus placebo was not statistically significant. The result is preliminary, rather than a demonstrated treatment effect. 1
What were researchers trying to change?
The trial explored B6 support for GABA, a messenger that reduces nerve-cell activity, and measured visual processing as an indirect indicator of inhibition. This mechanism remains a research question. 1
What about pregnancy-related nausea?
NIH describes mixed trial results for B6 alone, including nausea reductions with 30–75 mg daily. It advises pregnant women to consult a physician before supplementation; treatment doses differ from everyday nutritional needs. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Women's Hormones1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Energy1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Fertility2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression Human Psychopharmacology, 2022