Vitamin B6 for Nausea

Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, assists the body in carrying out a number of important functions. B-6 helps the immune system produce antibodies that are needed to fend off disease. It may also relieve nausea in some cases, according to Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Talk to your health-care provider before taking dietary supplements for medical reasons.

Considerations

Vitamin B-6 aids in the formation of red blood cells and helps preserve normal nerve function. B-6 is also necessary for the growth and development of the brain and skin. People with an overactive thyroid, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and alcoholism may be susceptible to B-6 deficiency, says the Mayo Clinic. B-6 deficiency can cause confusion, irritability and mouth sores.

Possible Benefits

Some women take B-6 to ease the nausea and vomiting or so-called "morning sickness" that may occur in early pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology considers B-6 as first-line treatment for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. B-6 may be more effective for severe nausea rather than mild or moderate nausea, according to Medline Plus. B-6 is also used to diminish motion sickness, dizziness, seizures and convulsions due to fever.

Expert Insight

A study published in September 2003 in the "Journal of the American Medical Association-Thailand" found that healthy pregnant women with morning sickness during the first trimester got relief from symptoms of nausea and vomiting after taking 10 mg B-6 capsules three times daily for three days.

Food Sources/Dosing

Carrots, peas and spinach, potatoes, cheese, eggs, fish, meat and liver are sources of vitamin B-6. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of B-6 is approximately 1.5 mg for men and 1.4 mg for women. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need about 2 mg of B-6 daily. B-6 is often used in combination with other B vitamins.

Outlook

Vitamin B-6 is generally considered safe when taken at the recommended doses Some people may be sensitive to vitamin B-6 and may have problems even at lower doses, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of B-6 can include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Nausea can be caused by a variety of conditions and medications. In rare cases, nausea and vomiting may indicate a serious or even life-threatening problem. Contact your doctor if nausea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, chest pain, fever or blurred vision.