Last update
5/16/2025

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 12 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl and pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
50 mg
2,941%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin B6 effectively battles depression
We explored the potential of vitamin B6 in treating depression, particularly how it compares to commonly used antidepressants. In our experiment, male mice were given a single dose of Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to induce depressive-like behaviors. Following this, we administered vitamin B6 alongside popular antidepressants such as fluoxetine, imipramine, and venlafaxine, to see how effectively each treatment mitigated symptoms over 14 days.

Our findings highlighted that vitamin B6 was effective in alleviating depression in the mice, just like the other antidepressant medications. The animals displayed significant improvements in both despair and anhedonia—key indicators of depression. Specifically, we noticed a decrease in immobility time during a forced swim test, indicating reduced despair. Plus, the latency to feed and food consumption improved significantly, showing that vitamin B6 helped counteract the depressive behaviors caused by BCG.

Overall, our research suggests that vitamin B6 can be a powerful ally in preventing depression, similar in effectiveness to some existing antidepressant drugs. We believe this opens the door for further clinical research on vitamin B6 as a potential treatment, especially for those at high risk for depression.
We conducted a study to explore how vitamin B6 affects postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers who are at risk. This clinical trial took place in Isfahan, Iran, with 81 pregnant women participating over several months in 2016.

Our approach involved a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, where 40 women received 80 mg of vitamin B6 while 41 others were given a placebo from the 28th week of pregnancy until the end. We assessed the risk of PPD using various standardized questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, both before and about 1.5 months after the supplementation.

After the intervention, we saw notable improvements. The depression scores dropped significantly in the group receiving vitamin B6, contrasting with the control group, which showed no improvement. This suggests that vitamin B6 may indeed play a protective role against PPD in women at risk.

With our findings, we believe that vitamin B6 could be a valuable tool in the prevention of postpartum depression for high-risk mothers, offering a simple dietary option that may enhance mental well-being during a critical time.
9
Vitamin B6 reduces depression in mice
We explored the effects of vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, on depression in a study using mice. In this research, several doses of pyridoxine (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were administered to observe changes in behavior related to depression. Notably, we found that the highest dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in tests designed to measure depressive-like behavior, such as the tail suspension test and the forced swim test.

Our findings revealed an interesting mechanism behind these effects. Treatment with pyridoxine increased serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter often associated with mood regulation, while decreasing brain nitrite levels. However, we also examined the role of nitric oxide and its related pathway in enhancing pyridoxine's antidepressant effect. We noticed that certain substances, like L-Arginine (a nitric oxide donor) and sildenafil (which boosts cyclic GMP), seemed to counteract the positive effects of vitamin B6, while a nitric oxide/sGC inhibitor, methylene blue, amplified its benefits.

Overall, our study suggests that vitamin B6 could exert antidepressant-like effects by modulating serotonin levels in the brain and interacting with nitric oxide signaling pathways. This offers exciting potential for broader applications in managing depression, warranting further exploration in future studies.

Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Effective for depression
6 people found this helpful
I started taking it due to low ASt and ALt levels, which indicate a lack of B6 and high homocysteine. It helps in improving glucose metabolism and lowers blood sugar levels. B6 acts as a diuretic, reducing fluid retention and blood pressure. It is effective for depression and anxiety, especially alongside magnesium. When taken with Q10, it also aids concentration, while B6 and its transdermal forms can help with acne and skin conditions.
9
Positive for depression
I find this product helps with depression. I'm pleased with it. All B vitamins should be taken daily.
7.5
Mood improvement
Vitamin B6 is crucial in synthesising serotonin, the neurotransmitter linked to mood and pleasure. Combining it with magnesium may enhance mood and diminish the risk of depression.

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 12 Researches
7.9
  • All Researches
9.5
Mental health influences gastric cancer
We explored the connections between mental health conditions, like depression and stress, and the risk of developing gastric cancer. In this study, we looked at 82 patients with gastric cancer compared to 95 healthy individuals, measuring their mental health using a Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale. We also examined what they ate through a food frequency questionnaire that included 168 items.

Our findings showed a notable association between depression and stress with higher odds of gastric cancer. Notably, when we analyzed dietary factors in relation to depression, we found that vitamin B6 had a protective effect. Specifically, in individuals experiencing depression, higher levels of vitamin B6 correlated with a significantly lower likelihood of facing depressive symptoms.

While this points to vitamin B6's potential benefits, it’s important to note that it wasn't tested in isolation from other dietary influences. Therefore, while we observed promising links between vitamin B6 and improved mental health, the impact of a diverse diet as a whole cannot be overlooked. Future studies are essential to better understand the specific impacts of nutrients like vitamin B6 on mental health and, subsequently, on conditions like gastric cancer.
9
Vitamin B6 effectively battles depression
We explored the potential of vitamin B6 in treating depression, particularly how it compares to commonly used antidepressants. In our experiment, male mice were given a single dose of Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to induce depressive-like behaviors. Following this, we administered vitamin B6 alongside popular antidepressants such as fluoxetine, imipramine, and venlafaxine, to see how effectively each treatment mitigated symptoms over 14 days.

Our findings highlighted that vitamin B6 was effective in alleviating depression in the mice, just like the other antidepressant medications. The animals displayed significant improvements in both despair and anhedonia—key indicators of depression. Specifically, we noticed a decrease in immobility time during a forced swim test, indicating reduced despair. Plus, the latency to feed and food consumption improved significantly, showing that vitamin B6 helped counteract the depressive behaviors caused by BCG.

Overall, our research suggests that vitamin B6 can be a powerful ally in preventing depression, similar in effectiveness to some existing antidepressant drugs. We believe this opens the door for further clinical research on vitamin B6 as a potential treatment, especially for those at high risk for depression.
We conducted a study to explore how vitamin B6 affects postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers who are at risk. This clinical trial took place in Isfahan, Iran, with 81 pregnant women participating over several months in 2016.

Our approach involved a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, where 40 women received 80 mg of vitamin B6 while 41 others were given a placebo from the 28th week of pregnancy until the end. We assessed the risk of PPD using various standardized questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, both before and about 1.5 months after the supplementation.

After the intervention, we saw notable improvements. The depression scores dropped significantly in the group receiving vitamin B6, contrasting with the control group, which showed no improvement. This suggests that vitamin B6 may indeed play a protective role against PPD in women at risk.

With our findings, we believe that vitamin B6 could be a valuable tool in the prevention of postpartum depression for high-risk mothers, offering a simple dietary option that may enhance mental well-being during a critical time.
9
Vitamin B6 reduces depression in mice
We explored the effects of vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, on depression in a study using mice. In this research, several doses of pyridoxine (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were administered to observe changes in behavior related to depression. Notably, we found that the highest dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in tests designed to measure depressive-like behavior, such as the tail suspension test and the forced swim test.

Our findings revealed an interesting mechanism behind these effects. Treatment with pyridoxine increased serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter often associated with mood regulation, while decreasing brain nitrite levels. However, we also examined the role of nitric oxide and its related pathway in enhancing pyridoxine's antidepressant effect. We noticed that certain substances, like L-Arginine (a nitric oxide donor) and sildenafil (which boosts cyclic GMP), seemed to counteract the positive effects of vitamin B6, while a nitric oxide/sGC inhibitor, methylene blue, amplified its benefits.

Overall, our study suggests that vitamin B6 could exert antidepressant-like effects by modulating serotonin levels in the brain and interacting with nitric oxide signaling pathways. This offers exciting potential for broader applications in managing depression, warranting further exploration in future studies.
8
Vitamin B6 linked to depression
We explored the connections between dietary vitamin B6 intake and depression risk in adults, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2010. Our study analyzed information from nearly 25,000 individuals aged 20 and over to see how the levels of a specific form of vitamin B6, known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), relate to depression.

Our findings reveal that adults who consumed higher amounts of vitamin B6 or had elevated plasma PLP levels were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. Specifically, those in the top quartile for vitamin B6 intake had a significantly lower risk of depression compared to those in the lowest quartile. Similarly, higher PLP levels were associated with a reduced risk.

We noticed a clear trend: as both dietary intake of vitamin B6 and plasma PLP levels increased, the risk of depression decreased. However, it's important to note that while we found these associations, we cannot claim causation based on this study alone. This suggests that a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6 might be beneficial for mental health.

To fully understand the role of vitamin B6 in treating depression, we believe future randomized controlled trials should explore the potential effects of vitamin B6 supplementation.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Effective for depression
6 people found this helpful
I started taking it due to low ASt and ALt levels, which indicate a lack of B6 and high homocysteine. It helps in improving glucose metabolism and lowers blood sugar levels. B6 acts as a diuretic, reducing fluid retention and blood pressure. It is effective for depression and anxiety, especially alongside magnesium. When taken with Q10, it also aids concentration, while B6 and its transdermal forms can help with acne and skin conditions.
9
Positive for depression
I find this product helps with depression. I'm pleased with it. All B vitamins should be taken daily.
7.5
Mood improvement
Vitamin B6 is crucial in synthesising serotonin, the neurotransmitter linked to mood and pleasure. Combining it with magnesium may enhance mood and diminish the risk of depression.

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Positive for depression
I find this product helps with depression. I'm pleased with it. All B vitamins should be taken daily.
7.5
Mood improvement
Vitamin B6 is crucial in synthesising serotonin, the neurotransmitter linked to mood and pleasure. Combining it with magnesium may enhance mood and diminish the risk of depression.
7.5
Effective for depression
6 people found this helpful
I started taking it due to low ASt and ALt levels, which indicate a lack of B6 and high homocysteine. It helps in improving glucose metabolism and lowers blood sugar levels. B6 acts as a diuretic, reducing fluid retention and blood pressure. It is effective for depression and anxiety, especially alongside magnesium. When taken with Q10, it also aids concentration, while B6 and its transdermal forms can help with acne and skin conditions.
8
Vitamin B6 linked to depression
We explored the connections between dietary vitamin B6 intake and depression risk in adults, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2010. Our study analyzed information from nearly 25,000 individuals aged 20 and over to see how the levels of a specific form of vitamin B6, known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), relate to depression.

Our findings reveal that adults who consumed higher amounts of vitamin B6 or had elevated plasma PLP levels were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. Specifically, those in the top quartile for vitamin B6 intake had a significantly lower risk of depression compared to those in the lowest quartile. Similarly, higher PLP levels were associated with a reduced risk.

We noticed a clear trend: as both dietary intake of vitamin B6 and plasma PLP levels increased, the risk of depression decreased. However, it's important to note that while we found these associations, we cannot claim causation based on this study alone. This suggests that a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6 might be beneficial for mental health.

To fully understand the role of vitamin B6 in treating depression, we believe future randomized controlled trials should explore the potential effects of vitamin B6 supplementation.
We conducted a study to explore how vitamin B6 affects postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers who are at risk. This clinical trial took place in Isfahan, Iran, with 81 pregnant women participating over several months in 2016.

Our approach involved a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, where 40 women received 80 mg of vitamin B6 while 41 others were given a placebo from the 28th week of pregnancy until the end. We assessed the risk of PPD using various standardized questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, both before and about 1.5 months after the supplementation.

After the intervention, we saw notable improvements. The depression scores dropped significantly in the group receiving vitamin B6, contrasting with the control group, which showed no improvement. This suggests that vitamin B6 may indeed play a protective role against PPD in women at risk.

With our findings, we believe that vitamin B6 could be a valuable tool in the prevention of postpartum depression for high-risk mothers, offering a simple dietary option that may enhance mental well-being during a critical time.
8
Vitamin B6 aids mood improvement
We conducted a study to explore whether vitamin B6 supplementation can help reduce symptoms of depression in college women who are using oral contraceptives. This group often faces a risk of lower vitamin B6 levels, which is important for maintaining a positive mood.

The trial was meticulously designed as a randomized, double-blind crossover study involving eight healthy participants aged 18-25 who consistently used birth control for at least a year. Over a span of 12 weeks, these women were given either a daily dose of 100 mg of vitamin B6 or a placebo, in two four-week treatment phases, separated by a washout period.

We found that after taking the vitamin B6 supplements, participants experienced a 20% reduction in their depression scores according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II. In contrast, those on the placebo saw their scores rise by 11%. While the Profile of Mood States scores weren’t significantly affected, our findings support the potential benefits of vitamin B6 in improving mood and tackling depression in young women on oral contraceptives.

Overall, this study adds to the growing evidence that vitamin B6 may play a positive role in mental health, particularly for those affected by hormonal contraceptives.
8
Multivitamins enhance mood in MMT
We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of multivitamins, specifically looking at their impact on depression among patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The study was carefully designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 70 male participants aged 18 and over.

Participants were split into two groups—one received multivitamins while the other got a placebo for a duration of 12 weeks. The multivitamins included several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which has been suggested to have mood-boosting properties.

Our findings showed that while multivitamin supplementation significantly improved depression scores among participants, it did not produce any noticeable changes in anxiety levels. This is essential information for those considering nutritional support as part of their treatment plan.

Overall, the inclusion of vitamin B6 in a multivitamin contributed positively to alleviating depressive symptoms, though we must acknowledge that further research could help determine its isolated effects more clearly.

References

  1. Lu J, Mao H, Tan Y, Luo G. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010. Brain Behav. 2024;14:e70128. 10.1002/brb3.70128
  2. Rajasekar R, VanderMolen J, Barnhart K, Anguilim N. Dietary intake with supplementation of vitamin D, vitamin B6, and magnesium on depressive symptoms: a public health perspective. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1369666. 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369666
  3. Vahid F, Rahmani W, Davoodi SH, Bohn T. Mental Health Conditions, Including Depression and Stress, Are Associated with Increased Odds of Gastric Cancer-Insights into the Role of Diet: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients. 2023;15. 10.3390/nu15234981
  4. Lagzi N, Bateni A, Goli R, Talebiazar N. The effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2023;58:576. 10.1177/00912174231179320
  5. Mesripour A, Golchin S. Vitamin B6 Antidepressant Effects Are Comparable to Common Antidepressant Drugs in Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin Induced Depression Model in Mice. Iran J Psychiatry. 2022;17:208. 10.18502/ijps.v17i2.8911
  6. Field DT, Cracknell RO, Eastwood JR, Scarfe P, Williams CM, et al. High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2022;37:e2852. 10.1002/hup.2852
  7. Noah L, Morel V, Bertin C, Pouteau E, Macian N, et al. Effect of a Combination of Magnesium, B Vitamins, Rhodiola, and Green Tea (L-Theanine) on Chronically Stressed Healthy Individuals-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14091863
  8. C Curtin A, Johnston CS. Vitamin B6 Supplementation Reduces Symptoms of Depression in College Women Taking Oral Contraceptives: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial. J Diet Suppl. 2023;20:550. 10.1080/19390211.2022.2030843
  9. Khodadad M, Bahadoran P, Kheirabadi GR, Sabzghabaee AM. Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Prev Med. 2021;12:136. 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_240_19
  10. Maratha S, Sharma V, Walia V. Possible involvement of NO-sGC-cGMP signaling in the antidepressant like effect of pyridoxine in mice. Metab Brain Dis. 2022;37:173. 10.1007/s11011-021-00858-6
  11. Ferriani LO, Silva DA, Molina MDCB, Mill JG, Brunoni AR, et al. Associations of depression and intake of antioxidants and vitamin B complex: Results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). J Affect Disord. 2022;297:259. 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.027
  12. Wu Y, Li S, Wang W, Zhang D. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2023;93:142. 10.1024/0300-9831/a000720
image