Poor-quality studies suggest that vitamin B6 use is beneficial in premenstrual syndrome

QUESTION

Is the use of vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine hydrochloride) effective for relieving overall premenstrual symptoms and depressive premenstrual syndrome?

DATA SOURCES

Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE (1966-1998), EMBASE (1988-1996), PsychLIT (1974-1997), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health) (1982-1997), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register with the terms premenstrual syndrome, pyridoxine, premenstrual tension, late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 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Published and unpublished studies in any language were selected if they were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for which data could be acquired. Studies...