Poor-quality studies suggest that vitamin B6 use is beneficial in premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

Research DigestPoor-quality studies suggest that vitamin B 6 use is beneficial in premenstrual syndrome QUESTION Is the use of vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) effective for relieving overall premenstrual symptoms and depressive premenstrual syndrome? DATA SOURCESStudies were identified by searching MEDLINE , EMBASE (1988EMBASE ( -1996, PsychLIT (1974PsychLIT ( -1997, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health) (1982)(1983)(1984)(1985)(1986)(1987)(1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register with the terms premenstrual syndrome, pyridoxine, premenstrual tension, late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Bibliographies of relevant articles were scanned, and pharmaceutical companies were contacted. STUDY SELECTIONPublished and unpublished studies in any language were selected if they were randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled studies for which data could be acquired. Studies involving multivitamin supplements were included if the supplement contained Ն50 mg of vitamin B 6 . Authors were contacted if additional information was required. DATA EXTRACTIONData were extracted on participants, dose and preparation of vitamin B 6 , outcome measures, results, withdrawals, side effects, and quality scores. Main outcome was subjective lessening of overall premenstrual symptoms, and a secondary outcome was a decrease in depressive premenstrual symptoms. High-quality studies had scores of 3 on the Jadad scale (maximum: 5 points) and of 6 on the authors' quality rating scale (maximum: 8 points).

Hypericum perforutum and Vitamin B6 as a Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome

“…The effect of vitamin B6 on premenstrual syndrome was shown in several systematic reviews (9)(10)(11)(12); therefore, the current study performed a comprehensive literature review regarding the effect of H. perforutum on premenstrual syndrome. In the first study, Stevinson et al (13) performed a pilot study on 19 females with premenstrual syndrome.…”

Managing PMS & PMDD: Exploring New Treatment Options

“…The use of pyridoxine and vitamin B6 supplements has had varying degrees of success and is no longer recommended (Wyatt, 2000). However, a daily multivitamin would be a reasonable suggestion with low likelihood of adverse effects.…”