Vitamins for nausea
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Role of Vitamins in Managing Nausea
Vitamin B6 for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Effectiveness of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnancy. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study demonstrated that vitamin B6 significantly reduced the severity of nausea and the number of vomiting episodes in pregnant women with severe nausea compared to a placebo1. Another study comparing vitamin B6 to dimenhydrinate found that both treatments were effective, but dimenhydrinate had a slightly greater impact on reducing nausea and vomiting scores4.
Comparison with Ginger
Several studies have compared the efficacy of vitamin B6 with ginger, another popular remedy for nausea. One study found that ginger was more effective than vitamin B6 in reducing the severity of nausea, although both treatments were equally effective in decreasing the number of vomiting episodes2. Another study confirmed that both ginger and vitamin B6 significantly reduced nausea and vomiting scores, with ginger showing a slightly greater reduction in nausea intensity and distress3 5 7. However, the differences were not always statistically significant, indicating that both treatments are viable options for managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy8 9.
Safety and Side Effects
Vitamin B6 is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. It has been shown to be effective without significant adverse effects on the fetus6. Minor side effects such as sedation and heartburn have been reported but are not common5 7.
Vitamin B6 for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Pediatric Cancer Patients
Vitamin B6 has also been studied for its effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in pediatric cancer patients. A clinical trial involving children with malignancies found that vitamin B6 significantly reduced the severity of nausea and the frequency of vomiting episodes compared to a placebo10. This suggests that vitamin B6 can be a valuable addition to the antiemetic regimen for children undergoing chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Vitamin B6 is a well-supported treatment for nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced cases. It has been shown to be effective and safe, with minimal side effects. While ginger may offer slightly better results in some cases, both treatments are viable options for managing nausea and vomiting.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin B6 is effective therapy for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Vitamin B6 therapy significantly reduced the severity of nausea and the number of patients with vomiting in pregnant women with severe nausea compared to placebo.
RCT
Highly CitedComparing ginger and vitamin B6 for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial.
Ginger is more effective than vitamin B6 for relieving nausea severity and is equally effective for decreasing the number of vomiting episodes in early pregnancy.
RCTHighly CitedA comparison between the effects of ginger, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and placebo for the treatment of the first trimester nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP)
Ginger is more effective than placebo for treating mild to moderate nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and is comparable with vitamin B6.
RCTA randomized comparison of vitamin B6 and dimenhydrinate in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
Dimenhydrinate is more effective than vitamin B6 in treating nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
RCT
Rigorous JournalA randomized comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Ginger and vitamin B6 both significantly reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, with no significant difference in efficacy between the two treatments.
RCTHighly CitedOverview of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with an emphasis on vitamins and ginger.
Vitamin B6 and ginger are safe and effective treatments for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, while periconceptional multivitamins and doxylamine are also effective.
Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Ginger is more effective than vitamin B6 for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, with minor side effects.
RCTHighly CitedComparing the Effectiveness of Vitamin B6 and Ginger in Treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Vitamin B6 may reduce vomiting more effectively than ginger in treating pregnancy-induced nausea, but no significant difference in nausea occurrences or duration was observed.
Non-RCTA Randomized Controlled Trial of Ginger to Treat Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Ginger is equivalent to vitamin B6 in reducing nausea, dry retching, and vomiting in early pregnancy.
RCTHighly CitedThe effect of Vitamin B6 on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer
Vitamin B6 significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with malignancy, especially in acute lymphocytic leukemia.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal