Study, 1982
Does vitamin B6 help side effects from birth control pills?
Research over 15 years shows that women on birth control pills often have low vitamin B6 levels. Taking 40 mg of vitamin B6 daily improved these levels and relieved symptoms like depression, anxiety, and low libido.
What they did
Studies over 15 years from different countries measured vitamin B6 levels in women taking birth control pills and tested whether vitamin B6 supplements would help.
What they found
Women taking birth control pills showed signs of low vitamin B6, with increased tryptophan metabolites similar to natural B6 deficiency. Taking 40 mg daily of vitamin B6 restored normal biochemical values and relieved depression, anxiety, decreased libido, and glucose tolerance problems.
What it means for you
Vitamin B6 supplements may help some birth control pill side effects. The review covers studies over 15 years, but the exact number of women studied is not specified.
40 mg
Daily vitamin B6 dose
15 years
Duration of studies reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- Therapy of side effects of oral contraceptive agents with vitamin B6
- Authors
- Bermond P
- Journal
- Acta vitaminologica et enzymologica
- Year
- 1982
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- 40 mg vitamin B6 daily
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6889807/
Topics
Related studies
Study, 2026
What treatments work for PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2017
Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?
Case-control study, 2006
Are hormone-related chemicals different in women with mood disorders during the menstrual cycle?
Cohort study, 2005
Is PMDD a strong risk factor for postpartum depression?
Study, 2005
Do women with depression experience worsening of symptoms before their period?
Survey study, 1993
Are women with menopause distress more likely to have had past depression linked to their periods?