Brush MG, et al. Pyridoxine in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a retrospective survey in 630 patients. British Journal of Clinical Practice 1988;l42(11):448-4562.
Comment: A study of 630 women showed that
while 40 mg of Vitamin B6 reduced PMS in 24% of the women, the effect did not reach "statistical significance," 100 mg to 150 mg
reduced PMS symptoms in 66% of the women, while 160 mg to 200 mg of
Vitamin B6 reduced PMS symptoms in 79% of the women. There was a
dose-dependent benefit, with 200 mg producing the most benefit. All nutrients
exhibit dose-dependent effects, where there is a threshold dose in which optimal effects begin to appear, and an optimal dosage range above it. The National Academy of Sciences' No Observed
Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for Vitamin B6 is 200 mg per day, so this dose is also known to be safe for adults, in general.
|
Vitamin B6 Dose |
Reduction |
|
40 mg |
Not significant |
|
100 mg – 150 mg |
66 percent |
|
160 mg – 200 mg |
79 percent |
Schellenberg
R, et al. Treatment for the
premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus
fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo
controlled study. British Medical Journal 2001 Jan 20;322:134-137.
Comment: A
double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month study of premenstrual symptoms in 170
women (average age 36) showed that 20 mg of Vitex
extract reduced PMS symptoms about 28% better than placebo. The women noted
significant reductions in irritability, mood disturbances, anger, headache, and
breast fullness compared to placebo.