Anyone who has been pregnant will tell you the term morning sickness is a misnomer. Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night. Although there is no definite cure, vitamin B6 may play a role in preventing or easing morning sickness in some women, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the feeling of nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, most often during the first 16 weeks of gestation. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be due to the change in hormone levels that occurs during pregnancy. Morning sickness is usually mild, but in some women it can become severe enough to require hospitalization. This extreme variation of morning sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum.
Vitamin B6
The B vitamin called pyridoxine, or more commonly vitamin B6, Is thought to play a role in the management of morning sickness. According to Harvard Health Publications, vitamin B6 aids in the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate bodily functions such as sleep, appetite and mood. The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements states that vitamin B6 also helps with the formation of red blood cells, supports immune function and aids protein metabolism.
Relationship
According to the American Pregnancy Association, research has shown vitamin B6 can help reduce morning-sickness-related nausea, although the exact mechanism is unknown. The American Pregnancy Association suggests a daily supplement of 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day to help with morning sickness, but talk to your doctor first. Too much vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage and other side effects.
Sources
B6 is a water soluble vitamin found in meat, poultry, fish, soy and some fruits such as watermelon and bananas. Vitamin B6 is also in peanut butter and fortified breakfast cereals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 in pregnancy is 1.9 mg, as stated by the Office of Dietary supplements.
