Vitamin b6
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water soluble vitamin that is converted to its active form in the body and is required for certain neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve formation1. Research has also shown that lower levels of vitamin B6 may contribute to dysmenorrhea. There is no sole mechanism that can explain the role of vitamin B6 in primary dysmenorrhea however studies suggest that interactions among minerals such as, vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium may contribute in altering prostaglandin formation and influencing the symptoms of dysmenorrhea2. Literature exploring the role of vitamin B6 in primary dysmenorrhea is available, however it is limited.
Upon reviewing the limited literature available for Vitamin B6 (200mg/day) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, it is concluded that its use within the algorithm is limited and should be considered if NSAIDs are contraindicated, ineffective or if the patient wishes to try a natural health product. Currently, there is only one primary literature available that evaluates the role of Vitamin B6 for primary dysmenorrhea. The clinical trial conducted by Davis (1988) showed that Vitamin B6 compared to placebo provided pain relief in women with dysmenorrhea however, the study had many limitations2. Based on reviewing the primary literature, systematic review and tertiary resources available, it can be concluded vitamin B6 has no conclusive results reported regarding the efficacy of Vitamin B6 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and further research is warranted.
The systematic review conducted by Proctor and Murphy evaluated clinical trials, including the trial conducted by Davis (1988) that explored the use of herbal and dietary therapies in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It was concluded that results are inconclusive and more research is needed3.
The tertiary resources also referenced the only literature available on vitamin B6 and its use for primary dysmenorrhea, including the trial conducted by Davis (1988) and the systematic review conducted by Proctor and Murphy. These resources also stated that results are inconclusive and further research is needed4,5.
Due to the consistent conclusions stated by all literature available, no conclusive statements regarding Vitamin B6 and its place in therapy for primary dysmenorrhea can be made and further research is warranted.
References:
1. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Natural Standard Professional Monograph 2013. Available at:
http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/all/b6.asp? Accessed: 7/2/2013
2. Davis LS. Stress, vitamin B6 and magnesium in women with and without dysmenorrhea: a comparison and intervention study [dissertation]. Austin (TX): University of Texas at Austin:Dec 1988.
3. Proctor ML, Murphy PA. Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001; :CD002124.
4. Kaunitz, A and Smith, R. Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. Barbieri, R, editor. UpToDate; 2013. Available at: uptodate.com. Accessed 7/3/2013.
5. Lefebvre, G, O Pinsonneault, V Antao, A Black, M Burnett, K Feldman, R Lea, and M Robert. "Primary dysmenorrhea consensus guideline." J ObstetGynaecol Can 27.12 (2005): 1117-46. PubMed. Web. 3 July 2013.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water soluble vitamin that is converted to its active form in the body and is required for certain neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve formation1. Research has also shown that lower levels of vitamin B6 may contribute to dysmenorrhea. There is no sole mechanism that can explain the role of vitamin B6 in primary dysmenorrhea however studies suggest that interactions among minerals such as, vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium may contribute in altering prostaglandin formation and influencing the symptoms of dysmenorrhea2. Literature exploring the role of vitamin B6 in primary dysmenorrhea is available, however it is limited.
Upon reviewing the limited literature available for Vitamin B6 (200mg/day) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, it is concluded that its use within the algorithm is limited and should be considered if NSAIDs are contraindicated, ineffective or if the patient wishes to try a natural health product. Currently, there is only one primary literature available that evaluates the role of Vitamin B6 for primary dysmenorrhea. The clinical trial conducted by Davis (1988) showed that Vitamin B6 compared to placebo provided pain relief in women with dysmenorrhea however, the study had many limitations2. Based on reviewing the primary literature, systematic review and tertiary resources available, it can be concluded vitamin B6 has no conclusive results reported regarding the efficacy of Vitamin B6 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and further research is warranted.
The systematic review conducted by Proctor and Murphy evaluated clinical trials, including the trial conducted by Davis (1988) that explored the use of herbal and dietary therapies in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It was concluded that results are inconclusive and more research is needed3.
The tertiary resources also referenced the only literature available on vitamin B6 and its use for primary dysmenorrhea, including the trial conducted by Davis (1988) and the systematic review conducted by Proctor and Murphy. These resources also stated that results are inconclusive and further research is needed4,5.
Due to the consistent conclusions stated by all literature available, no conclusive statements regarding Vitamin B6 and its place in therapy for primary dysmenorrhea can be made and further research is warranted.
References:
1. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Natural Standard Professional Monograph 2013. Available at:
http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/all/b6.asp? Accessed: 7/2/2013
2. Davis LS. Stress, vitamin B6 and magnesium in women with and without dysmenorrhea: a comparison and intervention study [dissertation]. Austin (TX): University of Texas at Austin:Dec 1988.
3. Proctor ML, Murphy PA. Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001; :CD002124.
4. Kaunitz, A and Smith, R. Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. Barbieri, R, editor. UpToDate; 2013. Available at: uptodate.com. Accessed 7/3/2013.
5. Lefebvre, G, O Pinsonneault, V Antao, A Black, M Burnett, K Feldman, R Lea, and M Robert. "Primary dysmenorrhea consensus guideline." J ObstetGynaecol Can 27.12 (2005): 1117-46. PubMed. Web. 3 July 2013.