Is B12 Good for Motion Sickness? Exploring the Evidence

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

A 1983 NASA study on vitamin B12's effect on motion sickness found no significant difference in susceptibility after B12 injections, suggesting direct relief is unlikely. This raises the question of whether B12 is good for motion sickness, prompting a deeper look into the evidence and its role in overall nervous system health.

Quick Summary

Despite some anecdotal claims, scientific studies have not conclusively shown that B12 is effective for preventing or treating motion sickness. While B12 is crucial for nerve function, other remedies like vitamin B6 and ginger have stronger evidence supporting their use for nausea relief.

Key Points

Limited Evidence: Scientific studies, including a NASA experiment, have found no significant evidence that B12 prevents or treats motion sickness directly.
Not a Direct Remedy: While B12 is crucial for nerve health, it does not act as a direct anti-nausea or anti-sickness agent for acute motion sickness.
Consider B6 Instead: Vitamin B6 has strong scientific backing and is a proven antiemetic, often used for nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy and chemotherapy.
Focus on Deficiency: The link between B12 and dizziness is primarily relevant in cases of B12 deficiency, where supplementation can resolve neurological symptoms.
Explore Other Remedies: Effective alternatives for motion sickness include ginger, acupressure, controlled breathing, and behavioral strategies like focusing on the horizon.
Consult a Professional: Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, especially if you suspect a vitamin deficiency or before starting any new supplement.

Understanding the Root Causes of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness occurs due to a conflict between sensory information from the inner ear, eyes, and body, confusing the brain. This mismatch in signals leads to typical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. The inner ear's vestibular system is key in sensing motion.

The Role of Vitamin B12 in Nervous System Health

Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, crucial for creating myelin, which protects nerve fibers and aids signal transmission. A lack of B12 can cause neurological problems, including nerve damage, weakness, and cognitive issues. It is also associated with dizziness and vertigo. However, while treating a B12 deficiency might help related dizziness, it doesn't mean B12 is effective for motion sickness in those with adequate levels.

Scientific Studies on B12 and Motion Sickness

A notable NASA study from 1983 investigated if B12 injections could prevent motion sickness. The results showed no significant difference in motion sickness susceptibility after B12 administration, indicating no direct preventative effect. The study tested a hypothesis involving B12's impact on neurotransmitter precursors, but the findings did not support this theory for motion sickness relief.

Comparison with Other B Vitamins and Remedies

When considering motion sickness treatments, it's helpful to compare B12 with remedies that have more evidence.


Remedy	Proposed Mechanism	Evidence for Efficacy	Use in Motion Sickness
Vitamin B12	Supports overall nerve health; potential indirect link via deficiency.	Primarily anecdotal; scientific studies (e.g., NASA) show no direct effect for acute relief.	Not recommended for acute relief, but important for overall nerve function.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Acts as a cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis and has antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects.	Widely studied and effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Some evidence suggests it may alleviate dizziness in motion sickness.	Effective for nausea, including motion sickness. Often recommended by healthcare providers.
Ginger	Blocks serotonin receptors in the digestive tract, which can trigger nausea.	Strong evidence supporting its use for nausea and vomiting, including motion sickness.	Highly effective and widely used natural remedy.
Acupressure	Stimulates the P6 (Nei-guan) pressure point on the wrist to relieve nausea.	Some studies suggest it can be more effective than a placebo.	Often used with wristbands and has minimal side effects.

Addressing B12 Deficiency-Related Dizziness

It is important to differentiate between using B12 for general health or a deficiency and using it for motion sickness. If dizziness stems from a B12 deficiency, supplementation can help.

Managing B12 deficiency-related dizziness involves:

Diagnosis: A blood test confirms deficiency.
Supplementation: Treatment typically includes injections or high-dose oral supplements.
Symptom Resolution: Neurological symptoms often improve with supplementation.
Distinction: This treats an underlying condition, not motion sickness in individuals with normal B12 levels.

Natural and Behavioral Strategies for Motion Sickness

Effective non-pharmacological strategies for managing motion sickness include:

Focusing on the Horizon: Helps align sensory input.
Fresh Air and Positioning: Opening a window or sitting where motion is less felt can provide relief.
Controlled Breathing: Can help calm the body and reduce nausea.
Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding heavy foods and having small snacks can settle the stomach. Staying hydrated is also important.

Conclusion: Is B12 Good for Motion Sickness?

While vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function, scientific evidence does not support its use as a direct remedy for motion sickness. Studies like the NASA experiment found no significant benefit in preventing symptoms in those with normal B12 levels. Its link to dizziness is mainly relevant in deficiency cases. For motion sickness relief, other options have stronger support. Vitamin B6 is known for anti-nausea effects, and natural remedies like ginger, acupressure, and behavioral techniques such as focusing on the horizon are effective strategies. Therefore, B12 is generally not the recommended solution for motion sickness, and other proven remedies should be explored first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms like dizziness, poor balance, and unsteadiness, which can be mistaken for or contribute to the feeling of motion sickness.

Dizziness from a B12 deficiency often occurs regardless of motion and may be accompanied by other symptoms like tingling, weakness, and fatigue. Motion sickness dizziness is directly triggered by movement. A doctor can perform a blood test to determine your B12 levels.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has strong evidence as an effective anti-nausea treatment, particularly for conditions like morning sickness, and is often recommended for motion sickness.

Yes, ginger has a long history and scientific support for its ability to reduce nausea by blocking receptors in the gut, making it a more effective and well-established remedy for motion sickness compared to B12.

Some studies suggest that acupressure wristbands, which target the P6 pressure point, may be more effective than a placebo for relieving nausea. Many people find them helpful.

While B12 is generally safe, it is not an effective treatment for motion sickness and is not the appropriate remedy for acute symptoms. High doses of any supplement should always be discussed with a doctor.

For severe motion sickness, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription antiemetic medications or other therapies, rather than relying on unproven remedies like B12.