Taking low doses of vitamin B6 daily may be effective in relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including depression, according to British researchers.

There is evidence to suggest that 50 milligrams daily of vitamin B6 is likely to be beneficial in treating premenstrual syndrome and, at this stage, there is no conclusive evidence of neurological side effects.

The researchers reviewed nine published trials in which vitamin B6 was compared with (an inactive) placebo in more than 900 women with PMS. Doses of vitamin B6 up to 100 milligrams daily were significantly better than placebo in relieving overall premenstrual symptoms and in relieving depression associated with premenstrual syndrome.

British Medical Journal May 22, 1999;318:1375-1381.

COMMENT: This is not new information and the optimal treatment of PMS is far more complex than swallowing a simple supplement. However, it is nice to have the medical literature support some of the natural therapies. Other measures which are helpful in PMS are an optimal diet as outlined in the Read This First tab on my home page at www.mercola.com. High amounts of grains and sugars will increase insulin levels and high insulin will inhibit an enzyme called delta 6 desaturase. This enzyme is very important for optimizing the proper production of fats. And if it is not working as it should, one can develop serious alterations in their prostaglandin metabolism. Natural progesterone and Evening Primrose Oil are also helpful to restore the abnormal hormone physiology which causes the problem.