Does B6 Help with Nausea (Not Pregnant)? Investigating its Non-Pregnancy Relief Potential

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a systematic review published in the BMJ, vitamin B6 showed a small but significant effect in reducing certain premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including nausea. This suggests that vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, may offer relief for various non-pregnancy-related causes of nausea, and its benefits extend beyond morning sickness.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, may help alleviate nausea in non-pregnant individuals for specific conditions such as chemotherapy, motion sickness, and side effects from certain medications. Its effectiveness depends on the underlying cause and severity.

Key Points

Specific Relief: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can help alleviate nausea for non-pregnant individuals stemming from specific causes like chemotherapy, oral contraceptive side effects, and PMS.
Neurotransmitter Regulation: B6's mechanism for reducing nausea involves helping regulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can affect the body's nausea response.
Effective for Motion Sickness: Some evidence suggests B6 may be beneficial for motion sickness, although more research is needed to confirm optimal use.
Use with Caution: While the RDA is low, therapeutic use for nausea should be determined with a healthcare provider. High levels over prolonged periods can cause nerve damage.
Dietary Sources: B6 can be obtained from foods like fish, poultry, bananas, and fortified cereals, which can be an initial step before considering supplements.
Not a Universal Cure: The effectiveness of B6 depends on the cause of nausea, and it's not a guaranteed solution for all instances of queasiness.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially if nausea is severe or persistent, to rule out more serious conditions.

Understanding How Vitamin B6 Influences Nausea

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body. It plays a key role in the metabolism of amino acids, the creation of neurotransmitters, and the function of the immune system. While most famously known for its role in mitigating morning sickness, research shows it influences the brain chemicals that can trigger nausea. Specifically, it's involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and disruptions in these chemical signals can cause queasiness. By helping to balance these signals, a B6 supplement might be able to offer relief.

Non-Pregnancy Related Causes of Nausea

Before jumping to supplements, it's crucial to identify the source of nausea. Common non-pregnancy causes include:

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These treatments can induce severe nausea and vomiting.
Side effects from medication: Certain drugs, like oral contraceptives, anti-seizure medication, and some pain medications, list nausea as a common side effect.
Motion sickness: The sensory mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses can trigger nausea.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea.
Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions such as viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), food poisoning, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Anxiety and stress: The brain-gut connection is strong, and high levels of stress can cause an upset stomach.
Migraine headaches: Nausea often accompanies intense migraines.

Scientific Evidence Supporting B6 for Non-Pregnant Nausea

While the data isn't as extensive as for pregnancy-related nausea, there is compelling evidence to support B6's use in other circumstances:

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: Studies have shown B6's effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in specific patient populations. A clinical trial on pediatric cancer patients found that B6 significantly reduced the severity of nausea and frequency of vomiting compared to a placebo.
Oral Contraceptive Side Effects: In a study of women using oral birth control, those taking a vitamin B6 supplement reported fewer side effects, including nausea.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A systematic review noted that B6 provided a statistically significant reduction in overall PMS symptoms compared to a placebo, with the pyridoxine form being particularly effective.
Motion Sickness: Some research suggests B6 may help with motion sickness, although more data is needed to confirm its specific role and optimal dosage. It is believed to help by regulating brain chemicals that influence queasiness.

Other Potential Remedies and Comparisons

Beyond B6, several other remedies can help alleviate non-pregnant nausea. Some are evidence-based, while others rely on traditional use.


Remedy	Mechanism of Action	Effectiveness (Compared to B6)	Considerations
Ginger	Inhibits serotonin receptors in the gut, reducing the nausea reflex.	A 2009 study found ginger was effective for relieving nausea severity in early pregnancy, though both reduced vomiting.	Can cause heartburn in high doses. Effective for motion sickness and morning sickness.
Doxylamine	An antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. Often combined with B6 for severe nausea.	A 2014 study on pregnant women found doxylamine was effective, but B6 had fewer side effects like drowsiness.	Requires a doctor's consultation, especially if combining with B6.
Acupressure	Stimulates the P6 (Nei-Guan) pressure point on the wrist, which may calm the nervous system.	Non-pharmacological and non-invasive. Some studies support its use for motion sickness and chemotherapy-related nausea, but effectiveness can vary.	Requires no medication and has no side effects. Wristbands are widely available.
Chamomile	Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that may relax the digestive system.	Less directly studied for acute nausea compared to B6 or ginger.	Commonly consumed as a tea. Generally considered safe.

Safe Use and Considerations

For non-pregnant individuals, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 is typically 1.3 mg per day for adults. However, when considering B6 for nausea relief, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate and safe approach for your specific situation. While B6 is water-soluble, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. Prolonged use of high levels has been linked to nerve damage (neuropathy). It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

Before considering supplementation, you can increase your B6 intake through diet. Good sources include:

Fish, such as tuna and salmon
Poultry, including chicken
Beef
Potatoes
Fruits, especially bananas
Fortified cereals
Beans and nuts

Conclusion

Vitamin B6 does help with nausea not pregnant, especially for specific issues like chemotherapy side effects, oral contraceptive-induced queasiness, and PMS-related symptoms. While it is a valuable tool, it's not a universal cure and its effectiveness can vary depending on the underlying cause. Other remedies, such as ginger, doxylamine, and acupressure, also provide varying degrees of relief. The most crucial step for anyone experiencing persistent or severe nausea is to consult a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and determine the safest and most effective treatment plan, especially before starting any supplement regimen. For some, a simple dietary adjustment or a low-dose supplement may be sufficient, but for others, a more comprehensive approach is needed. By understanding the potential benefits and limitations of B6, individuals can make informed decisions about their health.

Visit the National Institutes of Health for more information on vitamin B6

Frequently Asked Questions

While B6 may help regulate neurotransmitters that influence nausea, ginger and maintaining hydration are often more directly recommended for acute digestive issues like the stomach flu or food poisoning.

Approaches vary, and a healthcare provider should be consulted. While the RDA is established, discussing with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine a suitable approach for your specific needs, as high levels over prolonged periods carry risks.

At typical levels, side effects are minimal. However, taking excessively high levels over many months can lead to nerve damage, including tingling or numbness.

Research suggests ginger may be more effective for certain types of nausea, such as morning sickness, but both have been shown to help. The best choice depends on the underlying cause and individual response.

It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before combining B6 with other medications or supplements, like doxylamine, to ensure safety and effectiveness.

B6 does not work instantly. It can take some time for the supplement to have an effect, and consistent use over a period may be required for noticeable improvement.

Since B6 is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, it may help regulate chemical signals related to mood and digestion. However, addressing the root cause of stress or anxiety is the primary approach.