The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#pregnancy #female #humans #pyridoxine #vitamin-b-6

The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jayawardena et al., 2023 | Arch Gynecol Obstet | Meta Analysis

Citation

Jayawardena Ranil, Majeed Shahana, ... Ranaweera Probhodana. The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023-Oct;308(4):1075-1084. doi:10.1007/s00404-023-06925-w

Abstract

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) are common symptoms in pregnancy. Although no definitive treatment option for NVP, pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) supplementation has been used widely. The present study aims to systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding pyridoxine for the treatment of NVP. METHODS: Data were obtained using a stepwise search process using keywords in the following online medical databases; PubMed®, Web of Science®, and Scopus® for studies published before 1st May 2021. Studies reporting intervention with pyridoxine supplementation alone and/or with other active substances were included. A meta-analysis was performed on the PUQE score and Rhode's score for nausea and vomiting. FINDINGS: Initial database searching indicated 548 potentially eligible articles, of which 18 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. Eight studies showed beneficial effects with pyridoxine alone as the supplementation, while six others found that the supplementation of pyridoxine in combination with another active substance had favourable effects. Supplementation of pyridoxine alone as well as combined treatment of pyridoxine with an active ingredient as the intervention significantly improved the symptoms of nausea according to Rhode's score [0.78 [95% CI: 0.26, 1.31; p = 0.003; I2 = 57%, p = 0.10)] and PUQE score [0.75 (95% CI: 0.28, 1.22; p = 0.002; I2 = 0%, p = 0.51)], respectively. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of pyridoxine alone as well as with an active ingredient demonstrated beneficial effects for women suffering from NVP.

Key Findings

Initial database searching indicated 548 potentially eligible articles, of which 18 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. Eight studies showed beneficial effects with pyridoxine alone as the supplementation, while six others found that the supplementation of pyridoxine in combination with another active substance had favourable effects. Supplementation of pyridoxine alone as well as combined treatment of pyridoxine with an active ingredient as the intervention significantly im

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 18
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Pregnancy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Antiemetics

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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