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Treatment
Review: poor quality studies suggest that vitamin B-6 is beneficial in premenstrual syndrome

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.3.1.18

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    Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PW, et al.Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review.BMJ 1999 May 22;318:1375–81.OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text

    QUESTION: Is vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) effective for relieving overall premenstrual symptoms and depressive premenstrual symptoms?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966–98), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1988–96), PsycLIT (1974–97), CINAHL (1982–97), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register with the terms premenstrual syndrome, pyridoxine, PMT, LLPDD, and PMDD. Bibliographies of relevant articles were scanned, and pharmaceutical companies were contacted.

    Study selection

    Published and unpublished studies in any language were selected if they were randomised, double blind, placebo controlled studies for which data could be acquired. Studies involving multivitamin supplements were included if the supplement contained ≥50 mg of vitamin B-6. Authors were contacted if additional information was required.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted on participants, dose and preparation of vitamin B-6, outcome measures, results, withdrawals, side effects, and quality scores. Main outcome was subjective improvement in overall premenstrual symptoms, and a secondary …

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    Footnotes

    • Source of funding: no external funding.

    • For correspondence: Dr K M Wyatt, Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Staffordshire Hospital, Stoke on Trent ST4 6QG, UK. Fax +44 (0)1782 552472.

    • A modified version of this abstract appears in ACP Journal Club.