Vitamins B6 and B12 for morning sickness

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Vitamins B6 and B12 for morning sickness

Vitamin B6

Studies suggest that taking vitamin B6 for morning sickness greatly improves nausea, though not vomiting, for many pregnant women. There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B6 use.¹ Experts do not yet understand how vitamin B6 affects nausea.²

A typical dose of vitamin B6 for morning sickness is , 3 times a day.

Talk to your health professional before taking vitamin B6 for morning sickness.

Note:

Intake of more than a day of vitamin B6 can cause temporary nerve damage.

Vitamin B12

Studies suggest that taking vitamin B12 improves vomiting for many pregnant women. There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B12 use. In fact, a combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid is thought to prevent neural tube defects in the growing fetus.¹

In studies, the dose of vitamin B12 has ranged from a day to twice a day.¹

Talk to your health professional before taking vitamin B12 for vomiting during pregnancy.

References

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Citations
Oates-Whitehead R (2005). Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Clinical Evidence (13): 1769–1779.
Niebyl JR, Goodwin TM (2002). Overview of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with an emphasis on vitamins and ginger. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 186(5, Suppl): S253–S255.

Credits

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	November 30, 2006

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Last updated:	November 30, 2006
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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