Does Vitamin B6 Get Rid of Nausea? An In-depth Look at the Evidence

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

For decades, medical professionals have turned to vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, as a first-line treatment for morning sickness, a condition affecting many pregnant individuals. But does vitamin B6 get rid of nausea effectively, and what does the science say about its use for other types of queasiness? This article examines the mechanisms, effectiveness, and safe usage of vitamin B6 for nausea relief.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a recommended first-line treatment for nausea, particularly morning sickness. It works by regulating brain chemicals that influence the nausea reflex. When used correctly and within recommended guidelines, studies show it can reduce the severity of symptoms, especially when combined with other remedies like doxylamine.

Key Points

Effective for Pregnancy Nausea: Numerous studies confirm that vitamin B6 significantly reduces the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, particularly for mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Works by Regulating Neurotransmitters: The anti-nausea effect is tied to its role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which help regulate the body's nausea and vomiting centers.
Combined with Doxylamine for Better Results: For more severe cases, combining vitamin B6 with the antihistamine doxylamine (Unisom) is a standard and often more effective treatment strategy.
Safety Depends on Intake: Vitamin B6 is safe at recommended therapeutic use. However, high supplemental intake can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy).
Not an Instant Fix: Vitamin B6 doesn't work instantly; consistent, regular use over a few days is often necessary to achieve noticeable relief.
Requires Medical Consultation: It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting B6 supplements, especially during pregnancy, to ensure appropriate use and safety.

The Scientific Basis for Vitamin B6 and Nausea Relief

Vitamin B6, known scientifically as pyridoxine, is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in numerous bodily functions. Its anti-nausea properties are thought to stem from its role in synthesizing key neurotransmitters that regulate the brain's nausea and vomiting centers.

Mechanism of Action for Nausea

The exact mechanism by which vitamin B6 alleviates nausea is still being researched, but current understanding points to its influence on neurotransmitter balance. By supporting the creation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, vitamin B6 may help stabilize signals that trigger nausea, particularly during hormonal changes in pregnancy. Other potential mechanisms being explored include its effects on fatty acid metabolism and steroid hormone receptors.

Using Vitamin B6 for Nausea

Vitamin B6 is primarily known for treating morning sickness in pregnancy, but it may have benefits for other types of nausea as well. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate use.

For Pregnancy-Related Nausea

For mild to moderate morning sickness, vitamin B6 is a common recommendation. Combining vitamin B6 with doxylamine, an over-the-counter antihistamine, is often suggested for more severe or persistent symptoms. Doxylamine can cause drowsiness and is often started at bedtime. A prescription medication, Diclegis®, contains both ingredients.

For Other Types of Nausea

Studies have indicated that vitamin B6 may help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients when used alongside standard antiemetics. While there is less evidence for other causes of nausea, medical advice should always be sought to determine its suitability and safety.

Comparing Vitamin B6 with Alternative Remedies

Vitamin B6 is one option among several for managing nausea. The following table compares its features to other common and evidence-based treatments:


Feature	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Ginger	Acupressure	Doxylamine (Unisom)	Prescription Antiemetics
Efficacy	Significantly reduces nausea, especially in pregnancy.	Effective for relieving nausea severity.	Can be helpful for some individuals.	Often combined with B6 for enhanced effect.	Highly effective, reserved for severe cases.
Mechanism	Regulates neurotransmitters affecting the nausea reflex.	Thought to act on serotonin receptors in the gut.	Stimulates specific pressure points, like the P6 wrist point.	Antihistamine that blocks nausea-related signals.	Acts on specific receptors to block nausea signals.
Safety	Considered safe at recommended use; high levels risk nerve damage.	Generally safe, particularly during pregnancy.	Non-invasive and generally considered very safe.	Can cause drowsiness; safe for pregnancy when combined with B6.	Varying safety profiles; requires medical oversight.
Typical Use	First-line treatment for mild-to-moderate pregnancy nausea.	Alternative treatment for pregnancy and other nausea.	Adjunctive therapy for various types of nausea.	Combination therapy for moderate-to-severe pregnancy nausea.	Severe, refractory nausea and vomiting.

Important Safety Information and Considerations

While generally safe at recommended levels, high levels of vitamin B6 can pose risks.

Risk of Neuropathy: Excessive intake of supplemental vitamin B6 can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), causing numbness or tingling. This risk is mainly associated with supplements.
Interaction with Medications: Vitamin B6 can interact with certain medications, potentially decreasing their effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking.
Timing of Relief: Noticeable improvement in nausea symptoms with vitamin B6 often requires consistent use over several days.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

Foods rich in B6 include turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, and bananas. While beneficial for overall health, these dietary sources typically do not provide enough B6 to treat active nausea; supplementation under medical guidance is usually necessary.

Conclusion

For those asking, "Does vitamin B6 get rid of nausea?", the evidence supports its effectiveness, especially for pregnancy-related nausea. As a first-line treatment for mild to moderate symptoms when used appropriately, vitamin B6 works by influencing neurotransmitters involved in the nausea response. Combining it with doxylamine is a recognized approach for more severe cases. Adhering to recommended guidelines is crucial to avoid potential risks like nerve damage from excessive intake. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting B6 supplements, particularly during pregnancy, for safe and effective treatment.

For more detailed information on specific health topics related to pregnancy and nutrition, a reliable resource is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, helps relieve nausea by acting as a cofactor in the synthesis of key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. By regulating these brain chemicals, it can help balance the signals that trigger the nausea and vomiting reflex.

For mild to moderate morning sickness, vitamin B6 is a common recommendation. Always consult your doctor for personalized instructions.

Combining vitamin B6 with doxylamine (Unisom) is a medically recommended approach for more severe nausea during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your healthcare provider before combining any medications, as B6 can interact with other drugs.

At the levels used for nausea, side effects are minimal. However, taking high supplemental levels over a long period can lead to nerve damage, numbness, and other neurological issues.

Vitamin B6 does not provide immediate relief. It may take several days of consistent use for the full anti-nausea effect to become apparent. Consistent use is key for best results.

While foods like turkey, chickpeas, and bananas contain vitamin B6, the amount is usually not sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect against nausea. Supplementation under medical guidance is typically required for treatment.

It is generally safe for pregnant individuals with morning sickness when used appropriately. However, its use for other conditions should be discussed with a doctor. Those with pre-existing conditions or on certain medications may need extra caution.