Vitamin B-6, also known as "pyridoxine," has many uses and is a treatment for many conditions such as asthma, autism, carpel tunnel syndrome, kidney stones and various cognitive disorders, according to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D and clinical nutrition specialist. In his book "The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth," Bowden explains that vitamin B-6 was originally used as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Creighton University confirms this and reports that vitamin B-6 has long been used for this purpose.
Original Use
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that vitamin B-6 was first isolated in the 1930s. Thereafter, vitamin B-6 was originally used as a treatment for PMS and PMDD, and it is still used to treat associated symptoms today. In some countries, vitamin B-6 therapy is commonplace for treating PMS and PMDD, according to Creighton University. Vitamin B-6 deficiencies are rare because most people get adequate amounts from food. Still, Bowden explains higher doses, usually between 50 and 100 mg, are needed to combat symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
PMS and PMDD treatment
Although vitamin B-6 has long been used as a treatment PMS and PMDD, Creighton University reports there are no scientific studies that examine a large enough sample size to conclusively show that vitamin B-6 is effective for treating symptoms of PMS and PMDD. A 1999 review in the "British Medical Journal" that examined over 900 patients found that a dose of 100 mg of vitamin B-6 was needed to relieve premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression. Despite the lack of conclusive clinical studies, Bowden and Massachusetts General Hospital both recommend vitamin B-6 to help treat symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Consult your physician to determine the dose you should take.
Magnesium and Vitamin B6
Bowden suggests that you take magnesium dietary supplement in combination with vitamin B-6. A study in the 2000 "Journal of of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine," supports his suggestion. A team of researchers at the department of food science and technology at the University of Reading in England found that supplementing with a B6-magnesium combination was more effective than just B-6 as a standalone treatment for PMS-related anxiety symptoms. Bowden suggests 800 mg or two doses of 400 mg of magnesium in combination with 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 as a "natural prescription" for PMS symptoms.
Other Uses
Significant clinical research still needs to be done to determine a conclusive cause-effect relationship, but vitamin B-6 may help to prevent heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease. Additionally, vitamin B-6 may help treat or provide some relief for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson's Disease.
References
- "The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth"; Dr. Jonny Bowden; 2008
- Massachusetts General Hosptial: PMS & PMDD
- Creighton University: Vitamin B6 Therapy for PMDD
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B6
- "British Medical Journal"; Efficacy of Vitamin B-6 in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: Systematic Review; Wytt, et al.; 1999
- "Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine"; A Synergistic Effect of a Daily Supplement for 1 Month of 200 mg Magnesium Plus 50 mg Vitamin B6 for the Relief of Anxiety-related Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study.; De Souza MC, et. al.; 2000
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