Nutrition Diet: What Vitamin Is Good for Nausea?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of pregnant women experience nausea, with Vitamin B6 being a key dietary recommendation for relief. If you're wondering what vitamin is good for nausea, understanding its specific role and how it compares to other dietary strategies is crucial for finding effective, science-backed solutions.

Quick Summary

This article explains how Vitamin B6 can help with nausea, especially in pregnancy, and explores the comparative effectiveness of ginger and other non-pharmacological remedies. It also provides a clear dietary guide on foods to eat and avoid for an upset stomach.

Key Points

Vitamin B6 is Primary: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is the most researched and recommended vitamin for nausea relief, particularly for morning sickness during pregnancy.
Ginger is Highly Effective: As a natural remedy, ginger is often as effective as or more effective than Vitamin B6 for alleviating nausea, and it can be taken as a supplement, tea, or food.
Combine with Antihistamines: For moderate to severe morning sickness, Vitamin B6 can be combined with doxylamine, an over-the-counter antihistamine, for greater relief, as recommended by medical bodies like ACOG.
Avoid High-Dose Supplements: Excessive intake of certain vitamins, especially Vitamin D and some B vitamins, can cause or worsen nausea and other serious side effects.
Utilize Dietary Strategies: Eating small, frequent, bland meals (like the BRAT diet), staying hydrated, and avoiding strong-smelling or fatty foods are crucial for managing symptoms.
Consider Complementary Remedies: Non-nutritional remedies like acupressure, getting fresh air, and deep breathing exercises can provide additional relief from nausea.

The Role of Vitamin B6 in Nausea Relief

When it comes to dietary interventions for nausea, Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is the most well-researched and recommended vitamin. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous studies, particularly for addressing the symptoms of morning sickness during pregnancy. Medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend it as a first-line treatment for mild pregnancy-related nausea.

How Vitamin B6 Works to Combat Nausea

The exact mechanism by which Vitamin B6 relieves nausea is not fully understood, but its effects are believed to be linked to its role in regulating neurotransmitters that affect the gastrointestinal system. It may help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, though it may not always completely eliminate vomiting. For moderate to severe cases, healthcare providers might combine Vitamin B6 with doxylamine, an antihistamine, in a prescription-strength medication.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B6

While supplemental forms are common, Vitamin B6 is naturally found in a variety of foods, offering a way to boost your intake through diet. Good sources include:

Fish, such as salmon and tuna
Fortified cereals
Legumes, like chickpeas and beans
Poultry
Dark leafy greens, like spinach
Fruits, including bananas, oranges, and papayas

It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate use, as high intake can lead to adverse effects.

The Effectiveness of Ginger: A Powerful Alternative

Alongside Vitamin B6, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is another well-established natural remedy for nausea, with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Many studies have compared ginger and Vitamin B6, often finding that ginger is equally effective or even slightly better at reducing the severity of nausea, while both are comparable in reducing vomiting episodes. The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, are thought to interact with the central nervous system and the stomach to provide relief.

How to Consume Ginger for Nausea Relief

There are various ways to incorporate ginger into your diet to soothe an upset stomach:

Ginger Tea: Steeping freshly grated ginger in hot water.
Crystallized Ginger: Sucking on candied or crystallized ginger pieces.
Ginger Ale: Many people find sipping on a carbonated, ginger-flavored drink helpful, though it's important to choose varieties with real ginger rather than just flavorings.

Other Nutritional Strategies for Managing Nausea

Beyond specific vitamins and herbs, general dietary choices can significantly impact nausea symptoms. Here are some strategies recommended by health professionals:

The BRAT Diet: This bland, easy-to-digest diet consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are low in fat and fiber, which helps soothe the digestive system.
Small, Frequent Meals: An empty stomach can worsen nausea. Eating smaller portions every couple of hours can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent the stomach from becoming too full.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is critical, especially if vomiting occurs. Sipping on water, clear broths, or electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water can help.
Avoid Triggers: Strong-smelling, fatty, or spicy foods can aggravate symptoms. Sticking to cold, bland foods that have less aroma is often helpful.

Important Considerations for Other Vitamins

While Vitamin B6 and ginger are the stars for nausea relief, it's worth noting the role of other vitamins and potential side effects:

Vitamin B12: Deficiency in B12 can cause nausea and other digestive issues, but supplementation is only recommended if a deficiency is diagnosed.
High-Dose B Vitamins: Taking excessive amounts of other B vitamins, such as B3 (nicotinamide), can paradoxically cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.
Vitamin C: Some limited research has suggested Vitamin C might help with motion sickness, potentially by modulating histamine levels. However, high doses can cause digestive upset.
Excessive Vitamin D: It is crucial to understand that taking very high doses of Vitamin D supplements can lead to toxicity, with early symptoms including nausea and vomiting. This highlights the importance of discussing appropriate intake with a healthcare provider.

A Comparison of Nausea Remedies


Method	Best For	Evidence Level	Key Notes
Vitamin B6	Morning sickness, general nausea	Strong for pregnancy	Recommended as a first-line therapy for mild cases. Consult a doctor for appropriate use.
Ginger	Morning sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, general nausea	Strong	Comparable effectiveness to B6. Can be consumed as tea, chews, or in capsules. May cause mild heartburn.
Bland Diet (BRAT)	Short-term relief for upset stomach	Strong (historical recommendation)	Easy-to-digest, low-fat foods. Not a complete diet for long-term use.
Hydration	All types, especially with vomiting	Strong (basic health principle)	Prevents dehydration. Use water, broth, or electrolyte drinks.

Beyond Nutrition: Complementary Strategies

While diet is a key factor, other natural methods can provide additional relief from nausea:

Acupressure: Applying pressure to the P6 point (located on the inner wrist) can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy patients and pregnant women.
Fresh Air: Sometimes, simply getting fresh air can help. Opening a window or going for a short walk can be beneficial, particularly for motion sickness.
Deep Breathing: Controlled, slow breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and reduce nausea symptoms.

What Vitamin is Good for Nausea? (Conclusion)

For those struggling with nausea, Vitamin B6 stands out as a highly effective and well-researched dietary supplement, especially for morning sickness. However, it is not the only answer. Natural remedies like ginger have also demonstrated significant benefits and are often used alongside or instead of Vitamin B6. When combined with smart dietary choices—like eating small, frequent, bland meals and staying hydrated—you can create a comprehensive approach to managing your symptoms. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly for pregnant individuals, to ensure safety and discuss appropriate usage.

For more detailed information on Vitamin B6 and pregnancy, you can visit the MedlinePlus Drug Information on Doxylamine and Pyridoxine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is widely considered a safe and effective first-line treatment for morning sickness when used appropriately. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports its use.

For mild nausea, appropriate use can provide relief. For higher amounts or combined treatments, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Yes, several studies show that ginger is comparable to or more effective than Vitamin B6 for relieving nausea, especially during pregnancy. It is considered a safe and natural alternative for many people.

Some limited research suggests that Vitamin C might help with seasickness, potentially by modulating histamine levels. However, high intake can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.

Yes, very high levels of Vitamin D, almost always from excessive supplementation, can lead to toxicity, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) are often recommended. Dry, starchy foods such as crackers and pretzels can also help.

Avoid strong-smelling, fatty, spicy, and greasy foods. For many, citrus fruits, caffeine, and alcohol can also trigger or worsen nausea symptoms.