It's no secret that some vitamins may cause nausea. One vitamin, however, may be able to alleviate this bothersome symptom. Several clinical trials have shown that vitamin B-6 is effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Be sure to contact your health-care professional prior to taking vitamin B-6 supplements, as serious side effects are possible with high doses.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine, is essential for numerous physiological processes, including protein metabolism, cellular growth, hemoglobin production, and blood glucose modulation. In addition to its anti-emetic properties, it plays a key role in promoting a healthy immune response and a normal nervous system function. Vitamin B-6 also helps to convert tryptophan, an essential amino acid, to vitamin B-3, or niacin.
Nausea Research
Several placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that vitamin B-6 can alleviate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy, which can induce "morning sickness"-related nausea and vomiting, participated in these studies. Neda Ebrahim and co-authors reported in the August 2010 issue of the International Journal of Women's Health that vitamin B-6 significantly reduced severity of nausea and vomiting in these women. The researchers stated that while a supplement dose of 200 mg per day is recommended, "maternal doses of up to 500 mg per day can be used without increasing maternal adverse effect or jeopardizing fetal safety."
Overdose Risks
Ebrahim and co-authors noted that vitamin B-6 doses higher than 500 mg per day may produce toxic side effects in expecting mothers. Although not yet confirmed through research, undesirable implications related to the development of the fetus are also possible.
The Office of Dietary Supplements warns that taking "too much vitamin B-6 can result in nerve damage to the arms and legs," but states that these side effects can usually be reversed once you stop taking the supplement. The agency further notes that the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends taking no more than 100 mg of vitamin B-6 supplementation per day.
Deficiency Risks
Vitamin B-6 is abundant in various food sources, including grains, meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends getting 1.3 mg per day from your diet; adults over 50 years of age should increase the daily amount to 1.5 mg for women and 1.7 mg for men.
Since vitamin B-6 plays a major role in hemoglobin production, its deficiency can cause anemia. Low levels of this vitamin can also weaken immune response. Vitamin B-6 deficiency may also result in skin inflammation, tongue soreness, depression, confusion and convulsions.
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