Vitamin B6 Benefits

There are several claimed benefits of vitamin B6, but most have little or no supporting scientific evidence. The supplement is believed to be beneficial for the treatment of morning sickness (associated with pregnancy), premenstrual syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although there are possible benefits of this vitamin for children, you should consult your child's healthcare provider before giving your child any supplements.

Vitamin B6 Information

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) is clearly beneficial for treating vitamin B₆ deficiency and problems related to a deficiency. It is also claimed to provide several other health benefits, such as:

Treating the following conditions:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy)
Depression, especially depression associated with pregnancy or oral contraceptive (birth control pill) use
Homocystinuria (a rare genetic condition)
Arthritis
Allergies
Asthma
High levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia)
Alzheimer's disease
Muscle cramps
Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
"Pink eye" (conjunctivitis)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Infantile spasms (seizures), especially in children with Down syndrome
Absence seizures (petit mal seizures)
Certain types of anemia
Acne
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Radiation sickness
Dizziness and/or motion sickness
Infertility in women (specifically, treating a luteal phase defect)
Menopause symptoms
Diabetes
Lyme disease

Preventing and treating side effects of isoniazid or penicillamine
Enhancing immune system functioning
Preventing migraines
Preventing cancer
Helping to reduce water retention (for a diuretic effect)
Preventing kidney stones
Enhancing dream recollection.

Many of the claimed health benefits of vitamin B₆ have little or no supporting scientific evidence, especially for people without a vitamin B₆ deficiency (see Does Vitamin B6 Work? for more information).

(Vitamin B6 Benefits Continued: Page 2)