Does Vitamin B6 Make You Less Nauseous? Understanding the Science Behind the Remedy

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Up to 70% of pregnant people experience morning sickness, a common form of nausea and vomiting. For many, the answer to does vitamin B6 make you less nauseous? is a definitive yes, particularly for mild-to-moderate symptoms, though it works best when combined with dietary adjustments.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, can reduce nausea by influencing key neurotransmitters in the brain's vomiting center. It is a well-established treatment for morning sickness, often used with doxylamine, and may also help with other causes of queasiness. It's important to be mindful of intake to avoid potential side effects.

Key Points

Effective for morning sickness: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a recognized first-line treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP).
Neurotransmitter regulation: It helps reduce nausea by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain's vomiting center.
Often combined with doxylamine: For moderate to severe morning sickness, vitamin B6 is frequently used in combination with the antihistamine doxylamine for enhanced relief.
Potential for other nausea: It may help with general or chemotherapy-induced nausea, though evidence is less conclusive than for NVP.
Risk of peripheral neuropathy: High intake levels of vitamin B6 (over 100 mg/day for prolonged periods) can cause nerve damage, so it's vital to be mindful of intake.
Available through diet: Good sources of vitamin B6 include chickpeas, salmon, bananas, and fortified cereals.
Consult a healthcare provider: Always speak with a doctor before starting a vitamin B6 supplement, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medications.

The Science Behind Vitamin B6 and Nausea

To understand how pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, can combat queasiness, we must look at its role as a cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis. Nausea is primarily regulated by the brain's "vomiting center" in the medulla oblongata, which receives signals from various parts of the body. It is believed that vitamin B6 can help balance the chemical messengers, such as serotonin and dopamine, that transmit these signals, thereby calming the nervous system's response. The active anti-nausea form of vitamin B6 is thought to be pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), which is the converted version of pyridoxine.

For nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), hormonal fluctuations—particularly elevated estrogen levels—can disrupt this delicate balance of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 may counteract this effect by aiding the synthesis of calming neurotransmitters, making it a viable and safe first-line treatment for morning sickness.

Vitamin B6 for Morning Sickness: Evidence and Best Practices

Numerous studies and clinical guidelines support the use of vitamin B6 for managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends it as a first-line treatment. It is often combined with doxylamine, an antihistamine, which is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for morning sickness.

The combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine is particularly effective, with doxylamine helping to address evening and nighttime symptoms that often contribute to morning nausea. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially during pregnancy.

Does Vitamin B6 Help with Other Types of Nausea?

While most of the research on vitamin B6 and nausea focuses on pregnancy, it has also shown potential for other applications. Some studies have investigated its use for chemotherapy-induced nausea in pediatric cancer patients, with promising, but not conclusive, results. For general queasiness or medication-induced nausea, some individuals find relief, but the evidence is less robust than for morning sickness. In these cases, it is crucial to first determine the underlying cause of nausea with a healthcare professional.

Comparison of Anti-Nausea Remedies

When considering options for managing nausea, it's helpful to compare different remedies. Here is a brief comparison of some popular choices:


Remedy	Primary Use	Mechanism	Effectiveness for Nausea	Pregnancy Safety	Potential Side Effects
Vitamin B6	Nausea during pregnancy	Regulates neurotransmitters	Effective for mild to moderate nausea, less so for vomiting	Safe at recommended intake levels	Peripheral neuropathy at high intake levels
Doxylamine	Sleep aid, combined with B6 for morning sickness	Antihistamine	Very effective, especially in combination with B6	Safe in combination with B6 for pregnancy	Drowsiness
Ginger	Motion sickness, general nausea	Promotes digestion, anti-inflammatory	Variable, some studies show benefit for morning sickness	Generally considered safe	Heartburn, mild digestive upset
Acupressure	Motion sickness, pregnancy nausea	Targets pressure points	Can provide relief for some individuals	Safe	Minimal

Safe Intake and Potential Risks

While generally safe, it's possible to consume too much vitamin B6, which can have serious side effects. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults, including pregnant women, is 100 mg per day. Prolonged intake exceeding this level has been linked to peripheral neuropathy, a condition causing nerve damage that can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet.

Potential Risks of Excessive Vitamin B6 Intake

Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Loss of muscle control or coordination (ataxia)
Painful skin lesions
Heartburn and stomach upset
Numbness in extremities (paresthesia)

It is crucial to monitor your total intake of vitamin B6, as it is often included in multivitamins and other supplements. Always disclose all supplements you are taking to your healthcare provider.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

Increasing your dietary intake of vitamin B6 can be a natural way to support overall health and potentially help with mild nausea. Many common foods are excellent sources of this nutrient:

Chickpeas: A single cup of canned chickpeas provides a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.
Salmon: A rich source of B6 and other essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
Potatoes: A medium-sized potato contains a good amount of vitamin B6.
Bananas: A convenient and easily digestible snack for those with queasiness.
Fortified Cereals: Many breakfast cereals are fortified with B vitamins.
Poultry and Pork: These meats contain vitamin B6, especially when cooked thoroughly.

Conclusion

In short, does vitamin B6 make you less nauseous? For many people, especially those experiencing morning sickness, the answer is yes. Scientific evidence supports its use, often in conjunction with doxylamine, to manage symptoms by helping to regulate key neurotransmitters. While generally safe, it is essential to adhere to recommended intake levels to avoid potential risks like peripheral neuropathy. Before beginning any new supplement, always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is the right option for your specific needs and to discuss the best approach for managing nausea.

Visit ACOG for more information on managing Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes for vitamin B6 to work varies by individual. Some people may notice a gradual improvement in symptoms over a few days, while others may feel relief sooner. Consistency with a doctor-prescribed regimen is key for best results.

For morning sickness, vitamin B6 is often recommended as an initial approach. It is important to discuss appropriate intake with a healthcare provider and not exceed recommended levels, as excessive intake can lead to side effects.

While a balanced diet rich in B6 can be beneficial, the levels often associated with noticeable relief from nausea symptoms typically come from supplements. Foods like chickpeas, salmon, and bananas contain B6, but supplementing with a controlled amount is often a more reliable approach for targeted relief.

The only FDA-approved medication specifically for morning sickness is a combination of doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6). This is often considered after dietary changes and lifestyle modifications fail to provide relief.

While generally safe for most people at recommended intake levels, vitamin B6 may cause side effects or interact with other medications. Those with certain health conditions or nerve issues should be cautious. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially during pregnancy.

Excessive intake of vitamin B6, typically from long-term, high-level supplementation, can cause peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands and feet. If these symptoms occur, a person should stop taking the supplement and consult a doctor.

There is some research into the use of vitamin B6 for chemotherapy-induced nausea, especially in pediatric patients, with some positive findings. However, it is not a standard treatment and should not replace physician-prescribed antiemetic medications. Always discuss all therapies with your oncology team.