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Vitamin B6 Supplementation Reduces Symptoms of Depression in College Women Taking Oral Contraceptives: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

  • 2022-02-02
  • Journal of dietary supplements 20(4)
    • Anne C Curtin
    • Carol S Johnston

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
healthy college women using OC (estrogen with progestin) for at least 1 year, aged 18-25 yrs
Methods
12-week, randomized, double-blind crossover trial with 4-week treatment periods (100 mg vitamin B6 daily or placebo) separated by a 4-week washout
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
12 weeks
Funding
Unclear
Oral contraceptive (OC) users have a heightened risk of low plasma concentrations of vitamin B6, a cofactor in the tryptophan-serotonin pathway critical to mood regulation. The purpose of this crossover study was to determine whether vitamin B6 supplementation reduced symptoms of depression and improved mood states in college women using OC. Participants were healthy (aged 18-25 yrs), did not take dietary supplements, and used OC (estrogen with progestin) consistently for at least 1 year. During the 12-week, randomized, double-blind crossover trial (4-week treatment periods [100 mg vitamin B6 daily or placebo] separated by a 4-week washout) participants (n = 8) maintained normal exercise and eating patterns and recorded tablet consumption daily. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used to assess mental health before and after each 4-week treatment period. Average dietary vitamin B6 intakes did not vary during the trial (1.2-1.4 mg/d), whereas vitamin B6 status rose significantly following the B6 supplementation period compared to the other three time points. BDI-II scores were reduced 20% by vitamin B6 supplementation in comparison to an 11% rise with placebo ingestion (p = 0.046). POMS scores were not significantly impacted by vitamin B6 supplementation. These preliminary data support a growing literature suggesting the benefits of B6 supplementation for reducing symptoms of depression in young women using OC.

Research Insights

  • Vitamin B6→Improved Mood

    POMS scores were not significantly impacted by vitamin B6 supplementation.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    100 mg daily
  • Vitamin B6→Reduced Depression Symptoms

    BDI-II scores were reduced 20% by vitamin B6 supplementation in comparison to an 11% rise with placebo ingestion (p = 0.046).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    100 mg daily
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