Evidence

Research on the use of vitamin B-6 for specific conditions shows:

• Heart and blood vessel disease and stroke. Researchers had previously believed that vitamin B-6, when combined with folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-12, might prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels by reducing the levels of an amino acid in the blood (homocysteine). However, studies show that the combination of these vitamins doesn't seem to reduce the risk or severity of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

• Morning sickness. Vitamin B-6 might reduce the severity of morning sickness during pregnancy. If you have persistent nausea and vomiting, your pregnancy care provider might prescribe vitamin B-6 supplements.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is some evidence that vitamin B-6 might reduce symptoms of PMS; however, these studies are considered to be low quality.

• Sideroblastic anemia. Vitamin B-6 is effective at treating this genetic type of anemia.

How does it work?

Pyridoxine is required for the proper function of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body. It is also required for the proper growth and development of the brain, nerves, skin, and many other parts of the body.

• Effective for

• Seizures. Administering vitamin B6 intravenously (by IV) controls seizures in infants that are caused by vitamin B6 dependence.

• A condition in which the body makes abnormal red blood cells that build up iron (sideroblastic anemia). Taking vitamin B6 by mouth is effective for treating an inherited type of anemia called sideroblastic anemia.

• Vitamin B6 deficiency. Taking vitamin B6 by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin B6 deficiency.

• Likely Effective for

  • High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Taking vitamin B6 by mouth, usually with folic acid, is effective for treating high homocysteine levels in the blood.

• Possibly Effective for

  • An eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration). Some research shows that taking vitamin B6 with other vitamins including folic acid and vitamin B12 might help prevent the loss of vision caused by an eye disease called macular degeneration.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use pyridoxine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Vitamin B6 if:

you have any other medical conditions;

you take other medications or herbal products; or

you are allergic to any drugs or foods.

To make sure you can safely receive injectable pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or kidney disease.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different. High doses of pyridoxine can harm a nursing baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Disclaimer:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.