Diet and Nutrition: Which Vitamin Stops Vomiting? Exploring Vitamin B6

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 systematic review, vitamin B6 may help reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. If you're experiencing nausea, understanding which vitamin stops vomiting could be a key step towards feeling better through nutritional support.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a supplement recognized for its potential to help relieve nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy. This guide explores its role and provides information on dietary sources and when to seek medical help.

Key Points

Vitamin B6 is a primary consideration: As pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 is studied for its potential role in alleviating nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy.
Discuss use for morning sickness: For pregnant women experiencing morning sickness, a healthcare provider can offer guidance on the potential use of Vitamin B6.
Dietary sources are key: Boost your B6 intake naturally by eating foods like chickpeas, salmon, tuna, potatoes, and bananas.
Combination with other options: For more significant morning sickness, Vitamin B6 is sometimes discussed for use in combination with certain medications, under medical guidance.
Consult on supplement use: High intake from supplements may have risks, so always follow medical advice when considering supplementation.
Consult a doctor for persistent symptoms: Seek medical attention if vomiting is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by symptoms of dehydration or other serious issues.

The Potential Role of Vitamin B6 in Nausea Relief

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a nutritional supplement that has been studied for its potential to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. While it may not be a complete cure for all causes of vomiting, its efficacy, particularly for morning sickness, is recognized. Its mechanism of action in this context isn't fully understood, but it is believed to help with metabolic processes that regulate neurotransmitters and hormones involved in nausea. For pregnant women, healthcare providers often consider Vitamin B6 as a management option for mild to moderate nausea. It can be discussed with a healthcare provider regarding its use alone or combined with certain other medications.

Discussing Vitamin B6 for Nausea Relief with a Healthcare Provider

For those suffering from morning sickness or other forms of nausea, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine if Vitamin B6 is an appropriate option. They can offer guidance on suitable approaches for your specific needs. It is important to adhere to the recommendations of a healthcare professional and not exceed suggested intake levels without consultation. While obtaining vitamins from food is beneficial, supplements can provide a concentrated dose for those needing targeted support. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has acknowledged the use of Vitamin B6 in managing pregnancy-related nausea.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B6 is crucial for overall health and can be supported through diet. Many common foods are rich in this essential nutrient. These include:

Meat: Beef liver, chicken breast, and turkey
Fish: Tuna and salmon are particularly rich sources
Legumes: Chickpeas and lentils
Starchy vegetables: Potatoes and winter squash
Fruits: Bananas, watermelon, and avocado
Fortified foods: Many breakfast cereals are fortified with B vitamins

Including a variety of these foods in your diet can help prevent deficiency and support overall bodily function, from brain health to immune response.

Understanding the Causes of Vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, not an illness, and can be triggered by a wide range of conditions. For mild, temporary cases, dietary adjustments and rest can often help. However, persistent or severe vomiting could indicate a more serious problem. Common causes include:

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Food poisoning
Pregnancy (morning sickness)
Motion sickness
Migraine headaches
Excessive alcohol consumption
Medication side effects (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)
Underlying medical conditions (e.g., appendicitis, gallbladder disease)

Comparing Vitamin B6 with Other Remedies

While vitamin B6 is a popular choice, especially for morning sickness, other approaches also exist. The table below compares some common considerations for managing nausea and vomiting.


Approach	Primary Consideration	Potential Benefits	Key Considerations
Vitamin B6	Morning sickness, general nausea	May help reduce nausea; considered for use during pregnancy	Consult a healthcare provider for guidance; high intake from supplements may have risks
Ginger	Motion sickness, pregnancy nausea	Widely studied, may help with nausea severity, natural option	May cause heartburn in some individuals
Peppermint	Nausea, aromatherapy	Aromatic relief, can be used in tea or oils	Evidence on effectiveness is mixed; ingestion of essential oil is not typically recommended
Doxylamine	Morning sickness (often with B6)	May offer stronger effect when combined with B6 for more severe symptoms, under medical guidance	Antihistamine, can cause drowsiness
BRAT Diet	Post-vomiting recovery	Bland foods are gentle on the stomach, may help with stool consistency	Not a long-term nutritional solution; used for short-term recovery

When to See a Doctor

While home remedies and supplements can be helpful, it is important to know when to seek medical advice. If vomiting is severe, lasts for more than a day or two, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, professional medical attention is necessary. Warning signs include blood in the vomit, severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or signs of dehydration like decreased urination and confusion. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition.

Conclusion

For those exploring nutritional support for nausea and vomiting, vitamin B6 is a vitamin frequently considered, particularly for pregnant individuals. Discussing its use with a healthcare provider can help determine an appropriate approach. While dietary changes and other remedies can also be helpful, understanding the root cause of your symptoms is key. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms to rule out any serious underlying conditions. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet with an emphasis on B6-rich foods is a positive step toward managing nausea and promoting overall health. For more detailed information on vitamin B6, consult the National Institutes of Health Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

For morning sickness, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that Vitamin B6 can be considered. Discuss with your healthcare provider if Vitamin B6 is an appropriate option for you and if it might be combined with other approaches if symptoms persist.

For managing vomiting, supplemental approaches to Vitamin B6 are often considered. However, maintaining a diet rich in B6 from foods like chickpeas, salmon, and bananas can support overall health and prevent deficiency.

When taken as directed, Vitamin B6 is generally considered safe. However, taking high intake levels from supplements over a long period may have potential considerations, such as nerve effects. Always discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider.

Vitamin B6 is often considered for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting when discussed and used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement during pregnancy.

The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but Vitamin B6 plays a role in metabolic processes that affect neurotransmitters, which are involved in regulating emotions and appetite. This may potentially help with the signals that contribute to nausea and vomiting.

Beyond discussing options like Vitamin B6 with a healthcare provider, you can try consuming small sips of cold, clear liquids like ginger ale or water. Eating bland foods like crackers or toast may also help settle your stomach. Avoiding strong odors and greasy or spicy foods is often recommended.

Ginger is another remedy that has been studied for its potential to help with nausea. Both ginger and Vitamin B6 are sometimes considered for managing nausea, and some research compares their effects.