Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review

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#female #humans #premenstrual-syndrome #pyridoxine #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review

Wyatt et al., 1999 | BMJ | Systematic Review

Citation

Wyatt K M, Dimmock P W, ... Shaughn O'Brien P M. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. 1999-May-22;318(7195):1375-81

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. DESIGN: Systematic review of published and unpublished randomised placebo controlled trials of the effectiveness of vitamin B-6 in the management of premenstrual syndrome. SUBJECTS: Nine published trials representing 940 patients with premenstrual syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of women whose overall premenstrual symptoms showed an improvement over placebo. A secondary analysis was performed on the proportion of women whose premenstrual depressive symptoms showed an improvement over placebo. RESULTS: Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in overall premenstrual symptoms was 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.95 to 2.54). Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in depressive symptoms was 1.69 (1.39 to 2.06) from four trials representing 541 patients. CONCLUSION: Conclusions are limited by the low quality of most of the trials included. Results suggest that doses of vitamin B-6 up to 100 mg/day are likely to be of benefit in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression.

Key Findings

Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in overall premenstrual symptoms was 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.95 to 2.54). Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in depressive symptoms was 1.69 (1.39 to 2.06) from four trials representing 541 patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population premenstrual syndrome
Sample Size 940
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • Pyridoxine
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

  • PMID: 10334745
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: PMC27878
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09